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SKETCHES 


LIFE    AND  CHARACTER 


REV.   LEMUEL    HAYNES,  A.M., 


FOR  MANY  VE4R8  PASTOR  OF  A  CHURCH  IS  Rl'TLAKD,  TT.,  AND  LATE  1 
GRANVILLE,  !<EW-\ORE. 


BY  TIMOTHY  MATHER  COOLEY,  D.D. 


PASTOR  OF  THB  FIRST  CHURCH  IN  GRANVILLE,  MASS. 


WITH    SOME    l^'TRODl;CTORY    REjMARKS  BY 


WILLIAM   B.    SPRAGUE,   D  D., 

(  ALI^-J 


Pastor  of  the  second  prksbytkrian  church  in 


Nil  desperandura  Christo  duce. 


^  .  1 


NEW 


-YORK:  L 


HARPER  &   BROTHERS,  82  CLIFF-ST, 


1  8  37, 


Entered,  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1S37,  by 

Harper  &  Brothers, 
in  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  Southern  District  of  New-York. 


PREFACE. 


The  subject  of  the  following  Memoir  having  left 
among  his  writings  but  very  limited  materials  for  his 
biography,  the  principal  facts  have  been  collected  by 
correspondence  and  personal  application.  Some  scores 
of  individuals  have  been  thus  consulted.  For  their 
prompt  attention  to  the  inquiries  of  the  author  they  will 
accept  his  grateful  acknowledgments.  Materials  have 
been  collected,  and  the  book  written,  under  the  pressure 
of  professional  labours,  during  the  progress  of  a  pre- 
cious work  of  God's  Spirit  in  his  own  congregation  and 
in  neighbouring  churches.  This  is  his  apology  for  the 
unexpected  delay  of  the  publication,  and  for  inaccura- 
cies which  time  and  leisure  might  have  corrected.  The 
book  goes  forth  with  but  few  of  those  attractions  which 
usually  command  attention.  The  style  is  without  orna- 
ment. The  subject  ot  the  Memoir  was  in  humble  life, 
with  no  adventitious  circumstances  of  rank,  wealth,  or 
family  to  recommend  him  to  special  notice.  There  is, 
however,  one  redeeming  circumstance.  The  acute 
Andrew  Fuller  remarks,  "  That  in  attending  to  written 
lives,  those  narratives  should  be  selected  which  repre- 
sent persons  who  were  distinguished  by  unerring  wis- 


Viii  PREFACE. 

dom — for  gifts,  graces,  and  usefulness."  la  this  im- 
portant respect,  the  following  sketch  may  not  be  un- 
worthy of  attention.  At  least,  it  is  believed  that  the 
friends  and  admirers  of  Mr.  Haynes,  who  often  listened 
to  the  impassioned  eloquence  of  the  living  preacher,  w'ill 
welcome  this  attempt  to  rescue  his  name  from  oblivion. 
This  Memoir  now  goes  from  the  author  with  a  fervent 
prayer  that  it  may  exert  some  influence  to  counteract 
pleasing  and  fatal  error,  to  encourage  the  pious  efforts 
of  the  young  and  the  friendless,  and  to  guide  the  pil- 
grim to  his  rest. 

TIMOTHY  M.  COOLEY. 
Granville,  Mass.,  December,  1836. 

JJx"  The  extracts  from  the  writings  of  Mr.  Haynes 
will  appear  in  their  original  dress,  with  scarcely  a  ver- 
bal alteration. 


CONTENTS. 


Introduction,  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Sprague        ....   Page  xiii 
CHAPTER  I. 

KARLY  HISTORY  OF  MR.  HAYNES. 

Birth. — Abandoned  by  his  parents. — At  the  age  of  five  months  placed  in 
the  family  of  Deacon  Rose. — Eminent  piety  of  the  deacon. — Character- 
istics of  the  people. — Alarm  in  a  thunder-storm.— Narrow  escape  from 
drowning.— Exposure  to  infidelity  when  a  ploughboy.— Privilege  at  a 
common  school. — Chimney-corner.— His  rule. — Scarcity  of  books. — The 
infidel  book.— Death  of  Mrs.  Rose  27—40 

CHAPTER  U. 

HISTORY  CONTINUED  TILL  HE  COMMENCES  STUDYING  FOR  THE  MINISTRY. 

His  conversion. — Baptized. — Character  of  his  minister. — Successful  re- 
proof of  gross  wickedness. — Enlists  into  the  army. — Campaigns  at  Rox- 
bury  and  Ticonderoga.— Extract  from  a  sermon. — Extract  from  a  manu- 
script sermon. — Sickness. — Composes  a  sermon.  —  Reads  it  Saturday 
evening.— The  sermon  40—58 

CHAPTER  HI. 

PREPARATORY  STUDIES,  &C. 

Studies  with  Rev.  Mr.  Farrand. — Character  and  anecdotes  of  his  instructer 
— Teaches  school  at  Wintonbury,  and  studies  Greek  with  Rev.  Mr. 
Bradford. — Receives  license  to  preach. — His  first  sennon. — Preaches 
at  Granville.— Religious  character  of  the  age.— Success  with  a  cavil- 
ler  59-70 

CHAPTER  IV. 

MINISTRY  AT  TORRINGTON. 

Ordination. — Preaches  at  Torrington. — Success. — Anecdote. — Tourto  Ver- 
mont  70—77 

CHAPTER  V. 

MINISTRY  AT  RUTLAND. 

State  of  religion  in  Vermont.— Infidelity  prevalent. — Anecdote. — Settles  in 
Rutland. — Happy  illustrations. — Anecdote. — Letter  I. — Letter  II.— Let- 
ter III.— Letter  IV.— Letter  V.— Letter  VI.      ....   77— 8a 


X 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

ON  REVIVALS. 

General  state  of  religion.— Church  in  Rutland.— Letters.— Anecdote 

Page  68—95 

CHAPTER  VII. 

CONTROVERSY  WITH  HOSEA  BALLOU. 

Letter  from  Doctor  Dana.— Sermon.— Letter  from  Mr.  Haynes  to  Hosea 
Ballou  96-121 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

Original  Anecdotes  122  129 


CHAPTER  IX 

Ingenious  remarks  on  select  passages  of  Scripture         130 — 133 

CHAPTER  X. 

afflictive  scenes. 

Letter  to  Deacon  A.  when  in  affliction.— Letter  on  the  death  of  a  young 
female.— Mr.  Haynes's  sickness.— Extract  from  his  manuscript  sermon 
preached  after  his  recovery. — Funeral  sermon  -      •      -        134 — 146 

CHAPTER  XI. 

HIS  LABOURS  ABROAD. 

Mission.— Anecdote.— Successful  result  of  an  ecclesiastical  council 

146—150 

CHAPTER  Xn. 

Letters  150—159 

CHAPTER  Xin. 


Preaches  at  New-Haven.— Extract  of  a  letter  from  Professor  Silliman,— 
Letter  from  Mrs.  Hazen. — Sketch  of  the  sermon. — Extract  of  a  letter 
from  D.  Judson,  Esq. — Extract  of  a  letter  from  Pre.sident  Humphrey 

IGO— 168 

CHAPTER  XIV. 

DISMISSION  PROM  RUTLAND. 

Pohticil  excitement. — Extract  from  his  sermon. — Anecdote. — Dismission. 
—Letter  I.— Letter  II.— Letter  III.— Letter  IV       -      -  169—208 

CHAPTER  XV. 

MINISTRY  OF  MR.  HAYNES  AT  MANCHESTER. 

Letter  1.  from  Mr.  Haynes  to  Deacon  Atkins.— Letter  II.— Letter  III.— 
Letter  IV.— Letter  V.— Letter  VI.  from  Mrs.  Skinner.— Trial  and  con 


CONTENTS. 


xi 


viction  of  the  Booms  for  the  murder  of  Colvin.— Condemned  to  suffer 
death. — Appearance  of  Colvin  some  days  previous  to  the  time  appointed 
for  their  execution.— Release  from  prison.— Mr.  Haynes's  sermon  on  the 
occasion.— Brief  sketch  of  the  evidence  on  the  trial.— Confession  of 
Boom  Page  209—252 

CHAPTER  XVI. 

HIS  REMOVAL  TO  GRANVILLE,  NEW-YORK. 

Letter  I.  to  Deacon  Atkins.— Letter  II.— Letter  III.— Letter  IV.— Mr. 
Haynes's  labours  and  success  in  the  ministry  at  Granville. — Death  of  his 
daughter.— Funeral.— The  mourning  father      -      -      -  253—260 

CHAPTER  XVIL 

MR.  haynes's  last  VISITS  ABROAD. 

Visits  Joseph  Burr,  Esq.,  on  his  death-bed.— Extract  of  a  letter  giving  an 
account  of  his  visit  at  New- York,  and  at  Dr.  Sprague's,  Albany.— Visit 
at  Granville,  Mass. — Sketch  of  his  sermon. — Anecdote. — His  visit  to  the 
old  mansion  where  he  was  brought  up. — Visit  to  the  burying-ground.— 
Visit  to  the  apple-tree  where  he  first  found  the  Saviour. — Brief  sketch  of 
his  sermon  on  taking  leave  of  the  people  where  he  was  brought  up 

261—272 

CHAPTER  XVIII. 

VIEWS  OF  CHARACTER. 

As  a  man,  an  ivstructer  m  theology,  and  a  Ckrislian. — Personal  comeliness. 
— Tenderness  and  sympathy. —  Quickness  of  perception.  —  Memory. — 
Judgment. —  Literature. — Industry.  —  Anecdote.  —  Domestic  virtues. — 
Honesty. — Affability. — Anecdote. — Talents  as  an  instructer  in  theology. 
— Eminent  piety. 

Ministerial  gifts. — Happy  in  the  choice  of  his  text. — Originality  in  his  plans. 
— Skeleton  of  a  sermon  as  a  specimen.— His  preaching  discriminating. — 
Knowledge  of  men. — Use  of  the  poets.— Abundant  use  of  Scripture. — 
Simplicity. — .Animation. 

Eis  character  in  the  closing  scene. — His  disease  a  species  of  gangrene.— His 
la.«t  sermon.— Disease  increases. — His  last  letter.- Inten'iews  with  min- 
isterial brethren. — Solemn  hiterview  with  his  son. — Kindness  to  all 
around  him. — Triumphant  views. — Happy  death. — Extract  of  letters. — 


Funeral.— Minute  of  Rutland  Consociation.— Epitaph     -  272—312 

Elegy.— "  Love  in  death"  313—31-1 

Reminiscences  of  Rev.  Lemuel  Haynes      ....  315—319 

APPENDIX  321 

Funeral  Sermon  delivered  at  Rutland,  on  the  death  of  the  Rev.  Abra- 
ham Carpenter   321—333 

Extracts  from  a  Sermon  delivered  at  Granville,  N.  Y.,  before  the  Evan- 
gelical Society  334—345 

A  2 


INTRODUCTORY  REMARKS. 


In  consenting  to  write  a  few  paragraphs  introductory 
to  this  memoir,  I  am  quite  aware  that  I  may  incur  the 
charge  of  indehcacy,  in  seeming  to  place  myself  be- 
tween the  pubhc  and  an  individual  so  much  my  supe- 
rior in  age,  that  his  highly  respectable  standing  in 
the  church  is  the  subject  of  some  of  my  earliest  recol- 
lections. It  is  due  to  myself  to  say,  that,  in  performing 
this  service,  I  yield  my  scruples,  on  the  score  of  deU- 
cacy,  to  the  wishes  of  a  venerated  friend  and  father,  in 
wliose  neighbourhood  it  has  been  my  privilege  to  pass 
several  delightful  years  of  my  ministry ;  and,  even  if 
the  public  should  not  acquit  me  of  a  disposition  to  be 
obtrusive,  it  will  be  some  satisfaction  to  me  to  have 
complied  with  the  wishes  of  one  towards  whon>.I 
entertain  so  cordial  and  affectionate  a  regard. 

In  the  few  remarks  which  I  purpose  to  make,  it  will 
be  my  object  to  exhibit  an  outhne  of  the  process  by 
which  the  providence  of  God  usually  operates  in  rais- 
ing individuals  from  great  obscurity  to  eminent  useful- 
ness in  the  church ;  and  then  to  consider  some  of  the 
lessons  whicli  such  events  are  adapted  to  inculcate. 

If  I  mistake  not,  it  will  be  found  in  most  cases  in 
B 


Xiv  INTRODUCTION. 

which  an  individual  reaches  considerable  eminence 
from  an  unpromising  beginning,  that  he  is  more  or  less 
distinguished  by  his  native  powers  of  mind.  There  is 
especially  %  strong  thirst  for  knowledge,  in  connexion 
with  an  unyielding  spirit  of  perseverance.  These 
qualities  sfeem  necessary,  in  order  to  put  the  indi- 
vidual on  the  course  of  intellectual  effort  necessary  to 
ensure  the  contemplated  result,  as  well  as  to  enable 
him  to  overcome  the  obstacles  which  lie  in  his  way. 
No  man  ever  becomes  truly  great  without  a  coursi  of 
severe  application  ;  but  such  a  course  will  never  be 
entered  upon  where  there  is  not  a  strong  native  desire 
for  knowledge ;  or,  being  entered  upon,  it  will  be 
abandoned,  unless  there  is  much  native  energy  of  reso- 
lution to  sustain  it.  And,  in  addition  to  these  qualities, 
there  is  often  found  some  striking  intellectual  peculi- 
arity, which  marks  the  individual  among  the  multi- 
tude ;  and,  by  attracting  public  attention  towards  him, 
goes  far  to  neutralize  the  influence  of  whatever  is  un- 
propitious  in  his  external  circumstances. 

In  the  subject  of  this  memoir  we  find  a  striking 
illustration  of  these  remarks.  That  his  mind  was  cast 
in  a  superior  mould  will  not  probably  be  questioned 
by  any  individual  who  contemplates  the  history  of  its 
operations.  In  his  early  childhood  he  evinced  the 
same  inquisitiveness  of  mind — the  same  irrepressible 
desire  of  knowledge,  which  constituted  one  of  the  lead- 
ing traits  of  his  character  through  life.    While  other 


INTRODUCTION.  XV 

children  of  his  age  were  passing  their  evenings  in  the 
usual  sports  of  childhood,  he  was  passing  his  in  the 
diligent  culture  of  his  intellectual  faculties — in  acqui- 
ring knowledge  from  every  source  to  which  his 
straitened  circumstances  permitted  him  to  have  ac- 
cess. Had  he  possessed  only  a  common  degree  of 
perseverance,  he  would  have  yielded  to  the  obstacles 
which  met  him  at  the  threshold  of  his  career.  Not 
only  extreme  poverty,  but  the  worst  kind  of  orphanage, 
and  circumstances  still  more  tidying,  were  mingled 
together  in  his  humble  and  pitiable  lot ;  but  the  native 
energy  of  his  character  rose  superior  to  all  these  ob- 
stacles, and  enabled  him  to  go  forward,  notwithstand- 
ing all  the  embarrassing  and  retarding  influences  by 
which  he  was  surrounded.  And  then  again  he  was 
distinguished  for  the  exuberance  of  his  fancy,  and  the 
keenness  of  his  wit;  and  these  qualities  served  not 
only  to  make  him  known,  but  to  render  him  a  favour- 
ite. Had  his  mind  been  differently  constituted  from 
what  it  was — had  he  been  lacking  in  inquisitiveness, 
or  in  energy,  or  in  brilliancy,  or  had  these  qualities 
been  combined  in  diflferent  proportions,  it  is  by  no 
means  certain  that  he  would  have  reached  the  degree 
of  usefulness  which  he  was  permitted  to  attain.  It  is 
not  intended  by  these  remarks  to  convey  an  impres- 
sion that  an  uncommon  original  genius  is  essential  to 
eminent  usefulness ;  or  even  that  persons  whose  na- 
tive powers  have  not  risen  above  an  humble  medi- 


xvi 


INTRODUCTION. 


ocrity  have  not,  in  many  instances,  emerged  from  an 
obscure  condition,  and  rendered  important  service  to 
their  generation.  What  I  would  imply  is,  that  where 
God  designs  to  render  an  individual  eminently  useful, 
whose  condition  in  life  would  seem  to  oppose  formida- 
ble obstacles  to  it,  it  will  generally  be  found  that  he 
has  given  him  some  peculiar  original  qualifications  for 
encountering  these  obstacles  successfully. 

But  it  is  not  merely  in  the  native  character  of  the 
mind,  but  in  the  arrangements  of  Divine  providence, 
that  we  are  to  look  for  the  cause  of  eminent  usefulness 
in  what  would  seem  eminently  unpropitious  circum- 
stances. If  we  examine  closely  in  such  cases,  we 
shall  generally  find  that  God  has  set  over  one  >hing 
against  another,  and  that  that  condition  whose  general 
features  seem  most  uninviting,  has  in  it,  after  all,  some 
element  of  improvement — something  which  may  assist 
to  the  formation  of  a  useful  character,  and  even  be  a 
passport  to  future  eminence.  And  a  moment's  reflec- 
tion may  satisfy  us  that  such  an  arrangement  is  admi- 
rably adapted  to  develope  and  strengthen  the  intellect- 
ual powers.  On  the  one  hand,  there  are  difficulties 
enough  to  require  the  most  vigorous  exertions  to 
overcome  them  ;  and  on  the  other,  there  are  facilities 
enough  to  encourage  the  hope  of  ultimate  success ;  so 
that  there  is  a  double  influence  operating  to  a  sustain- 
ed and  diligent  course  of  effort  at  mental  improvement. 
In  many  cases,  indeed,  there  may  appear  to  be  such  a 


INTRODUCTION  Xvli 

preponderance  of  difficulties,  and  the  path  to  eminence 
so  entirely  hedged  up,  that,  to  a  superficial  observer,  it 
may  seem  impossible  that  the  individual  should  ever 
escape  from  his  original  obscurity;  and  yet,  to  the 
more  scrutinizing  observation  of  the  person  who  is 
most  of  all  interested,  there  may  appear  enough 
that  is  favourable  to  awaken  hope  and  stimulate  to 
exertion ;  and  it  will  usually  be  found,  in  such  cases, 
that  the  degree  of  eminence  attained,  other  things  be- 
ing equal,  is  in  proportion  to  the  amount  of  difficulty 
overcome. 

In  the  case  of  the  venerable  man  whose  character  is 
exliibited  m  this  volume,  there  was  a  combination  of 
unpropitious  circumstances  at  his  entrance  upon  life, 
which,  if  the  idea  of  his  attaining  to  future  eminence 
in  the  Christian  ministry  had  been  suggested,  would 
doubtless,  with  almost  every  one,  have  stamped  it  as 
a  visionary  project.  But  there  were,  after  all,  some  cir- 
cumstances pertaining  to  his  condition  of  a  favourable 
kind,  and  his  instinctive  sagacity  led  him  to  discover 
them,  while  his  eager  desire  of  knowledge  prompted 
him  to  avail  himself  of  them.  Though  his  lot  was  cast 
in  a  neighbourhood  which,  at  that  time,  was  favoured 
with  limited  advantages  for  intellectual  improvement, 
yet  a  few  books  were  actually  within  his  reach,  and 
if  his  poverty  forbade  his  reading  them  by  the  light 
of  a  candle,  he  knew  how  to  appreciate  and  improve 
the  light  of  a  kitchen  fire.  And  though  he  was  cast 
B  2 


XVlii  INTRODUCTION. 

helpless  upon  the  world,  without  a  friend  and  without 
a  farthing,  he  was  thrown  into  a  family  who  evinced 
towards  him  an  uncommon  degree  of  kindness,  and 
were  disposed,  according  to  their  ability,  to  second  his 
humble  efforts  at  improvement.  It  deserves  especially 
to  be  remarked  that  this  family  was  distinguished  by  the 
fear  of  God  ;  and  it  was  no  doubt  the  influence  of  an 
exemplary  Christian  conversation  which  served  chiefly 
to  mould  the  elements  of  his  moral  character,  and  ulti- 
mately to  imbue  him  with  a  deep  and  pervading  piety. 
Had  his  lot  been  cast  in  a  family  of  a  different  descrip- 
tion, where  he  had  been  treated  with  cold  neglect  in- 
stead of  being  fostered  with  parental  tenderness,  or 
where  he  had  breathed  the  atmosphere  of  infidelity  and 
blasphemy  rather  than  of  piety  and  prayer,  is  it  not  rea- 
sonable to  suppose  that  he  might  have  proved  a  scourge 
rather  than  a  blessing  to  society  ? — a  degraded  wander- 
er over  the  world,  instead  of  an  eminently  devoted  and 
honoured  minister  of  Jesus  Christ  ? 

And  the  providence  of  God  is  often  not  less  striking- 
ly or  kindly  manifested  in  indicating  to  the  individual  an 
appropriate  field  of  labour,  than  in  combining  circum- 
stances to  rescue  him  from  early  degradation.  Had 
Mr.  Haynes,  even  after  he  became  a  preacher,  attempt- 
ed to  plant  himself  in  the  bosom  of  refined  and  culti- 
vated society,  he  might  have  found  himself  engaged  in 
an  impracticable  enterprise ;  and  not  improbably,  if  he 
had  subsequently  found  his  proper  place,  would  have 


iNTROcrcTioN.  xix 

gone  to  it  with  his  energies  depressed,  and  his  spirit 
broken  by  a  bad  beginning.  But,  instead  of  seeking 
great  things  for  himself,  he  chose  a  retired  and  compar- 
atively uncultivated  field,  where  the  peculiarity  of  his 
history  would  be  least  likely  to  awaken  prejudice 
against  his  ministrations.  And,  more  than  that,  the  field 
of  his  early  laboiurs  was  overrun  to  a  great  extent  with 
different  forms  of  infidelity ;  and  the  unusual  fertility  and 
quickness  of  his  mind,  in  connexion  with  his  previous 
famiUarity  with  the  cavils  and  objections  of  unbelievers, 
singularly  qualified  him  for  such  a  sphere.  The  result 
has  been,  that  the  trophies  which  he  gained  in  some  of 
his  conflicts  with  the  enemies  of  true  Christianity,  sur- 
vive to  his  honour  on  both  sides  of  the  Atlantic.  Per- 
haps it  had  not  been  easy  to  have  selected  another  field 
in  which  both  his  original  powers  and  early  training 
would  have  conspired  to  render  him  so  much  at  home, 
and  in  which  such  a  mind  as  his  was  so  pre-eminently 
needed. 

It  must  appear  on  the  slightest  reflection,  that  there  is 
much  in  the  history  of  such  a  life  as  that  of  the  subject 
of  this  memoir,  to  aid  young  men  of  promising  disposi- 
tions and  talents,  but  of  an  humble  lot,  to  encounter  the 
obstacles  which  lie  in  their  way  to  usefulness  and  dis- 
tinction. It  must  be  acknowledged,  indeed,  that  Mr. 
Haynes  had  the  advantage  of  possessing  finer  original 
powers  than  fall  to  the  lot  of  the  mass  of  mankind ;  but, 
on  the  other  hand,  it  is  equally  certain  that  few  have 


XX  INTRODUCTION. 

ever  risen  under  the  pressure  of  such  adverse  circum- 
stances ;  so  that,  if  he  had  more  power  than  most  oth- 
ers, he  had  proportionally  greater  difficulties  to  sur- 
mount. Is  there  a  child  at  this  moment  in  some  one 
of  the  haunts  of  wretchedness  around  me,  in  whose  bo- 
som is  kindled  up  the  great  and  noble  desire  of  becom- 
ing an  enlightened  and  useful  man  ; — of  moving  in  the 
walks  of  respectabiUty,  or  becoming  a  fountain  of  in- 
telligence and  blessing  to  his  neighbourhood,  or  devo- 
ting himself  to  the  service  of  God  in  the  ministry  of 
reconcihation ; — shall  I  bid  that  child  extinguish  this 
rising  desire,  and  tell  him  that  the  degradation  into 
which  he  is  cast  is  too  deep  to  warrant  the  hope  that  he 
shall  ever  escape  from  it,  and  exhort  him  to  make  the 
best  of  his  ignoble  condition,  because  it  admits  of  no 
remedy  ?  No,  I  will  do  no  such  thing ;  but  I  will  ap- 
proach him  with  looks  and  words  of  encouragement, 
and  I  will  tell  him  that  there  is  no  obstacle  that  will  not 
yield  to  perseverance  ;  and  then  I  will  go  over  with  the 
story  of  Lemuel  Haynes,  to  show  him  that  I  speak 
words  of  truth  and  soberness.  And  it  were  easy  to  re- 
fer to  many  other  instances  of  a  similar  character,  in 
which  individuals  have  triumphed  over  the  most  appal- 
ling obstacles  to  eminence,  and,  from  the  humblest  lot, 
have  actually  risen  to  the  highest  places  of  influence 
and  honour.  Yes,  there  are  men  now  in  our  own  coun- 
try whose  influence  is  felt  at  the  extremities  of  the  na- 
tion— men  in  the  various  departments  of  literature,  and 


INTRODUCTION.  Xxi 

science,  and  politics,  and  religion,  who  are  among  those 
that  take  the  lead  in  moulding  the  elements  of  our  pub- 
lic prosperity — whose  present  elevated  standing  must  be 
referred  to  what  seemed  a  most  unpropitious  beginning ; 
and  if  you  go  back  with  their  history  but  a  few  years, 
you  will  find  them  amid  the  toils  of  some  humble  vo- 
cation, engaged  with  the  perplexing  problem,  "  whether 
the  obstacles  in  the  way  of  their  acquiring  an  education 
were  too  great  to  be  overcome  ?"  Happily,  they  decided 
in  favour  of  making  a  vigorous  effort  to  overcome 
them ;  and  in  the  successful  result  which  has  followed 
may  be  read  in  golden  letters  the  great  truth,  that  noth- 
ing is  too  hard  for  an  unyielding  perseverance. 

But  while  the  history  of  eminent  self-made  men 
holds  out  the  strongest  inducements  to  young  men  of 
promise,  in  humble  circumstances,  to  grapple  fearlessly 
with  the  difficulties  which  may  lie  in  the  way  of  their 
being  liberally  educated,  it  suggests  to  the  wise  and 
good,  and  especially  to  the  guardians  of  our  public  in- 
terests, the  great  importance  not  only  of  seconding  the 
wishes  and  aiding  the  efforts  of  such  young  men,  but  of 
keeping  an  eye  out  upon  the  humbler  classes  of  society, 
with  a  view  to  cherish,  so  far  as  possible,  every  open- 
ing bud  of  piety  and  genius.  It  is  indeed  an  office 
that  requires  much  judgment  and  discrimination,  to  se- 
lect youth  in  indigent  circumstances  to  be  educated 
solely,  or  in  a  great  degree,  upon  the  charities  of  the 
church;  but  in  a  state  of  things  which  calls  for  so  much 


Xxii  INTRODUCTION. 

well-directed  intellectual  and  moral  influence  as  that  in 
which  our  lot  is  cast,  it  is  manifest  that  every  class 
of  society  must  be  taxed  for  its  legitimate  share,  and 
even  the  humblest  must  not  escape.  There  are  young 
men  of  considerable  vigour  and  precocity  of  mind,  whom 
it  may  not  be  desirable  to  educate,  on  account  of  some 
marked  defects  in  their  moral  constitution ;  and  there 
are  young  men,  on  the  other  hand,  of  promising  disposi- 
tions and  exemplary  piety,  who  have  too  little  force  of 
intellect  to  warrant  their  being  withdrawn  from  a  voca- 
tion in  which  i\ie  hands  rather  than  the  head  are  put  in 
requisition ;  but  where  talent,  piety,  and  pmdence  are 
found  in  combination,  and  there  is  a  disposition  on 
the  part  of  the  individual  to  consecrate  himself  to  the 
Christian  ministry,  no  doubt  it  is  the  duty  of  the  church 
to  train  him  for  her  own  service  ;  and  the  individual  by 
whose  benefactions  he  is  sustained  in  his  preparation  for 
the  sacred  oflSce,  or  by  whose  watchful  sagacity  he  has 
been  selected  for  such  a  destination,  may  have  exerted 
a  benign  influence  which  will  reach  to  the  ends  of  the 
earth. 

There  is  perhaps  no  public  instrumentaUty  which  is 
so  important  in  its  bearings  upon  this  subject  as  the 
Sabbath  school.  Into  the  sacred  enclosure  which  this 
institution  provides  are  gathered  children  from  the  hum- 
blest walks  of  society ;  and  the  intercourse  wliich  the 
teacher  necessarily  has  with  them  gives  him  the  best 
opportunity  of  estimating  aright  their  dispositions  and 


INTRODUCTION.  Xxiii 

talents.  It  were  well  that  every  teacher  and  superin- 
tendent should  consider  it  a  part  o-f  his  duty  to  watch 
the  characters  of  those  under  his  care  with  reference  to 
this  object ;  and  whenever  he  find^  a  case  of  sufficient 
promise  to  warrant  such  a  step,  let  him  report  it  to  the 
officers  of  the  church,  and  let  the  individual  be  recom- 
mended to  her  charities. 

If  I  may  pass  to  a  remark  or  two  of  a  more  general 
kind,  I  would  say  that  the  formation  of  such  a  charac- 
ter as  that  of  Mr.  Haynes  furnishes  a  striking  illustra- 
tion of  the  wise  and  wonderful  workings  of  Divine 
providence.  Who  that  beheld  him  in  the  deep  degra- 
dation of  his  earhest  years,  could  have  dreamed  that  he 
was  destined  to  occupy  an  extensive  sphere  of  useful- 
ness in  the  church ;  to  stand  for  more  than  half  a  cen- 
tury a  skilful  and  valiant  defender  of  the  faith,  and  to 
leave  behind  him  a  name  which  multitudes  would  de- 
light to  honour  ?  But  God's  ways  are  not  as  our  ways. 
The  elements  of  his  character,  his  faculties,  and  dis- 
positions, were  given  with  reference  to  the  work  he  had 
to  accomplish.  And  so,  too,  the  ordering  of  his  cir- 
cumstances was  made  to  subserve  the  same  end ;  and 
even  those  events  in  his  history  which  seemed  to  beto- 
ken nothing  but  degradation  and  disaster,  were  render- 
ed subservient  to  the  development  of  his  faculties  and 
the  extension  of  his  usefulness.  If  there  was  bitter- 
ness in  his  cup,  it  was  qualified  by  softening  ingredi- 
ents. If  there  was  thick  darkness  hanging  over  the 
commencement  of  his  path,  a  faint  light  soon  shone  in 


Xxiv  INTRODUCTION. 

the  darkness,  and  that  hght  grew  brighter  and  brighter 
unto  the  perfect  day.  And  this  is  only  a  specimen  of 
God's  deahngs  with  his  people.  He  leads  them  by  a 
path  which  they  know  not ;  and  in  the  admirable  com- 
bination of  prosperity  and  calamity,  of  hopes  fulfilled 
and  hopes  blasted,  which  compose  their  lot,  he  gives 
them  sooner  or  later  to  see  that  his  own  kind  hand  has 
been  constantly  at  work  for  the  promotion  of  their  high- 
est interests.  Let  the  Christian  ponder  this  gracious 
arrangement  of  Providence,  and  rejoice  in  his  darkest 
hours  !  Let  the  church  ponder  it,  and  look  fearlessly 
at  the  boldest  array  of  opposition  ! 

And  finally,  the  preceding  train  of  thought  naturally 
leads  us  to  consider  how  superior  is  the  dignity  which 
is  conferred  by  character  to  that  which  is  the  result  of 
mere  circumstances.  It  will  not  be  difficult  to  find  in 
some  of  the  highest  places  of  earthly  distinction  men 
of  feeble  intellects,  degraded  morals,  and  perhaps  ma- 
lignant dispositions ;  the  moral  element  in  which  they 
move  is  a  withering  selfishness  or  a  black  misanthropy ; 
and  yet  they  move  in  splendour,  and  multitudes  render 
them  a  kind  of  homage,  and  they  are  well  nigh  lost  in 
the  bright  visions  of  their  own  glory.  But  here  is  an 
individual  coming  up  from  the  humblest  walks  of  hfe, 
with  his  heart  beating  in  vigorous  and  holy  pulsations 
to  be  useful  to  his  fellow-men ;  his  character  is  formed 
after  a  model  of  superior  excellence ;  he  borrows  no 
importance  from  the  pride  and  circumstance  of  life,  but 
moves  about  continually,  as  did  the  Master  whom  he 


INTRODUCTION.  XXV 

serves,  on  errands  of  benevolence ;  and  wherever  the 
sound  of  his  footsteps  is  heard,  it  is  welcomed  as  the 
harbinger  of  heaven-born  charity.  Here  is  true  dig- 
nity— the  other  deserves  not  the  name.  If  the  man 
who  writes  your  epitaph  can  only  say  of  you  that  you 
bore  the  image  of  your  Master,  and  served  your  gener- 
ation well,  though  yoiur  home  on  earth  had  been  a  hovel, 
he  confers  infinitely  higher  honour  upon  your  memory 
than  if  he  were  simply  to  record  that  you  had  worn  a 
crown  and  occupied  a  throne. 

I  have  extended  these  remarks  beyond  what  I  had 
designed ;  and,  in  bringing  them  to  a  close,  I  have  only 
to  congratulate  the  reader  that  he  is  about  entering  a 
field  in  which,  I  am  sure,  he  can  hardly  fail  to  be  at 
once  interested  and  improved.  The  memoir  is  written 
with  the  simplicity  and  perspicuity  which  characterize 
all  the  productions  of  my  respected  friend ;  and,  from 
my  knowledge  of  the  venerable  man  who  is  the  subject 
of  it,  I  have  reason  to  believe  that  the  character  is  pre- 
sented with  great  truth  and  fidelity.  I  shall  feel  much 
disappointed  if  the  labours  of  Doctor  Cooley  in  pre- 
paring this  memoir  do  not  secure  to  him  the  gratitude 
of  every  portion  of  the  church  in  which  it  circulates, 
and  if  the  character  which  he  has  so  happily  exhibited 
does  not  diffuse  its  savour  of  wisdom  and  piety  beyond 
the  present  generation. 

W.  B.  SPRAGUE. 

Albany,  Oct.  28,  1836. 

c 


THE 

LIFE  AND  CHARACTER 

OF 

THE  REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES,  A.  M. 


CHAPTER  L 

^  EARLY  HISTORY  OF  MR.  HAYNES. 

It  often  occurs  that  useful  men  are  found  to  have 
derived  their  origin  from  parents  in  an  obscure  condi- 
tion. Many  individuals  in  whom  native  talents  were 
lodged,  which  by  education  might  have  blessed  and 
even  astonished  the  world,  have  passed  on  unnoticed 
to  the  grave,  while  others  have  been  the  ornaments  of 
science,  of  religion,  and  of  civil  liberty.  It  is  delight- 
ful to  behold  such  men  overcoming  all  the  obstacles 
which  encompass  their  path,  and  pressing  their  way 
onward  through  every  form  of  opposition.  The  life  of 
one  who  has  risen  to  distinction  by  his  own  efforts,  and 
has  thought,  and  laboured,  and  suffered  for  the  welfare 
of  mankind,  is  worthy  of  being  delineated  for  the  enter- 
tainment and  instruction  of  the  world. 

In  various  periods  of  time  there  have  been  Africans 
whose  intellectual  powers  and  attainments  would  be  an 
ornament  to  any  age  or  country.  Among  warriors  few 
have  held  a  higher  rank  than  Hanno  and  Hannibal. 


28 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


The  poetic  works  of  Terence  were  admired  in  the 
Augustan  age,  and  have  survived  the  devastations  of 
two  thousand  years.  Cyprian,  bishop  of  Carthage, 
whose  memory  is  dear  to  all  Christendom,  and  Au- 
gustine, bishop  of  Hippo,  the  successful  defender  of 
the  church  from  Pelagius  and  his  heresies,  were  sons 
of  Africa. 

It  is  believed  that,  could  a  full  and  faithful  biography 
of  the  worthy  subject  of  this  memoir  be  furnished,  it 
would  do  much  to  exemplify  what  unaided  vigour  of 
mind,  even  in  unfavourable  circumstances,  can  effect. 
It  would  place  before  the  community  an  instance  of  un- 
feigned piety  and  sanctified  genius.  This  is  the  mani- 
fest tendency  of  all  the  records  which  can  now  be  pro- 
cured respecting  him,  and  of  all  the  recollections  of 
those  who  knew  him,  in  the  most  interesting  and  try- 
ing situations  in  which  he  was  placed.  If  these  shall 
so  exhibit  the  various  parts  of  his  life  as  to  give  the 
prominent  features  of  his  character,  they  can  hardly 
fail  to  mitigate  the  unreasonable  prejudices  against  the 
Africans  in  our  land,  to  encourage  those  who,  though 
beset  by  difficulties,  are  anxious  to  improve  their  minds 
and  their  hearts,  and,  finally,  to  e.xemphfy  the  power  of 
divine  grace  over  the  affections  and  lives  of  men. 

Lemuel  Havnes  was  born  July  18th,  1753,  at 
West  Hartford,  Connecticut.  He  was  a  partially 
coloured  man,  his  father  being  of  unmingled  African 
extraction,  and  his  mother  a  white  woman  of  respecta- 
ble ancestry  in  New-England.  Fe  bore  up  the  name 
of  neither  father  nor  mother,  but  probably  of  the  man 
under  whose  roof  he  received  his  birth.  Tradition 
Bays  that  his  mother,  in  a  fit  of  displeasure  with  her 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


29 


host  for  some  supposed  neglect,  called  her  child  by  his 
name. 

"  Mothers  love,  and  love  for  ever."  The  affection  of 
a  mother  to  her  new-born  infant  is  one  of  the  most  pow- 
erful and  active  of  the  natural  instincts.  But  mothers 
"  may  forget."  This  unliappy  child  was  abandoned  by 
his  parents  in  early  infancy,  and  was  never,  to  the  end 
of  life,  favoured  with  a  single  expression  of  a  mother's 
kindness.  He  was  thus  an  orphan,  not  by  the  bereav- 
ing hand  of  God,  but  by  the  cold  neglect  of  those  who 
ought  to  have  been  his  most  affectionate  guardians. 
The  tincture  of  his  skin  he  knew  to  be  an  obstacle  to 
his  being  identified  in  interest  and  in  life  with  those 
among  whom  he  dwelt.  His  susceptible  mind  soon 
began  to  feel  its  forlorn  condition.  In  the  bitterness  of 
his  grief,  he  must  often  have  uttered  his  complaint  iu 
language  like  the  following : — "  Let  the  day  perish 
wherein  I  was  born ;  let  darkness  and  the  shadow  of 
death  stain  it."  His  mother  refused  to  visit  him  or  to 
see  him.  Tradition  says,  that  when  a  lad,  he  providen- 
tially met  his  mother  in  an  adjoining  town,  at  the  house 
of  a  relative  ;  and  then  he  fondly  expected  that  he  should 
at  least  receive  some  kind  attentions  from  her.  But  he 
was  sadly  disappointed.  She  was  determined  to  elude 
the  interview.  At  length  he  caught  a  glimpse  of  her 
as  she  was  attempting  to  escape  from  him.  Vexed  and 
mortified  at  such  an  instance  of  unnatural  contempt  from 
his  mother,  he  accosted  her  in  the  language  of  severe 
but  merited  rebuke.* 

Though  thus  contending  with  troubles  which  would 
have  destroyed  the  elasticity  of  common  minds,  an  un- 

*  "  Mater  !  tu  non  tiraebas  semel ;  si  timueras,— me  a  gravissimo 

dolore,  atque  te  ipsam,  a  maximo  pudore,  servaTiBses." 

C2 


30 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  .OF 


seen  hand  had  been  directing  the  destinies  of  the  poor 
boy.  A  remarkable  providence  had  placed  him,  in  early- 
infancy,  in  a  kind  and  religious  family,  where  all  his 
wants  were  well  supplied.  Now  he  realized  the  "  or- 
phan's hope" — "  When  my  father  and  my  mother  for- 
sake me,  then  the  Lord  will  take  me  up."  This  part 
of  the  story  can  be  best  told  in  his  own  simple  lan- 
guage :— 

"  When  I  was  five  months  old  I  was  carried  to  Gran- 
ville, Massachusetts,  and  bound  out  as  a  servant  to  Dea- 
con David  Rose  till  I  was  twenty-one.  He  was  a  man 
of  singular  piety.*  I  was  taught  the  principles  of  reli- 
gion. His  wife,  my  mistress,  had  peculiar  attacliment 
to  me  :  she  treated  me  as  though  I  was  her  own  child. 
I  remember  it  was  a  saying  among  the  neighbours,  that 
she  loved  Lemuel  more  than  her  own  children." 

The  people  of  Middle  Granville,  among  whom  he 
passed  the  first  thirty-two  years  of  his  life,  were  a 
choice  company  of  emigrants  from  Durham,  Connecti- 
cut. They  had  been  brought  up  under  the  ministry  of 
the  Rev.  Nathaniel  Chauncey,  and  he  had  consecrated 
most  of  them,  in  their  infancy,  with  the  sacramental  wa- 
ter.   They  possessed  the  bold  and  intelligent  spirit 

*  Deacon  Rose  was  remarkable  for  his  spirituality  and  communion  with 
God.  He  was  often  called  in  to  pray  with  the  sick  and  the  dying,  and  he 
was  endowed  with  the  gift,  and  especially  with  the  spirit  of  prayer.  Such 
was  his  holy  walk  with  God,  that  his  face  seemed  to  shine,  like  that  of 
Moses  after  he  had  been  with  God  on  the  mount.  He  felt  tenderly  con- 
cerned for  the  salvation  of  sinners,  and,  as  he  had  opportunity,  solemnly 
admonished  them,  and  often  with  good  effect.  It  is  related,  in  illustration 
of  his  character  in  this  respect,  that,  on  going  one  morning  into  a  neigh- 
bour's house,  he  said  to  the  woman — "  Good  morning  :  how  do  you  do  T 
How  does  your  soul  do  ?"  This  salutation  was  uttered  with  so  much  ten- 
derness, that  the  woman  was  instantly  brought  under  pungent  conviction 
of  sin,  which  soon  resulted  in  a  hope  in  the  Lord  Jesus  unto  salvation. 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


81 


which  usually  marks  the  character  of  those  who  break 
away  from  the  home  of  their  fathers,  and  encounter  the 
perils  and  privations  of  a  rugged  desert.  That  they 
possessed  their  full  share  of  intellectual  worth  is  mani- 
fest from  the  fact,  that  of  the  youth  in  this  small  parish, 
with  a  population  of  less  than  seven  hundred,  one  has 
become  a  member  of  Congress,  one  a  judge  of  the  supe- 
rior court,  and  as  many  as  fourteen  have  entered  the  of- 
fice of  the  Christian  ministry.  Deacon  Rose  was  one 
of  the  first  settlers,  and  a  practical  agriculturist.  Hav- 
ing a  farm  to  subdue  that  was  covered  with  thick  forest, 
Lemuel  had  the  simple  and  hardy  education  common 
to  these  mountainous  regions.  The  God  of  the  forlorn 
sent  him  into  this  religious  family,  where  the  Sabbath 
was  sanctified,  daily  prayer  offered,  and  ihe  evening 
preceding  the  Sabbath  sacredly  employed  in  the  reli- 
gious instruction  of  the  household.  In  this  beloved  re- 
treat he  found  a  home,  not  only  till  he  was  "  twenty- 
one,"  but  until  his  ordination  as  a  minister  of  the  gospel. 
Thus  removed  from  the  low  and  froward  associates  to 
which  such  a  child  must  have  been  exposed  in  many 
places,  he  was  here  trained  up  under  the  influence  of 
pious  example,  and  his  mind  was  early  imbued  with 
religious  knowledge.  A  more  suitable  place  could  not 
have  been  found.  As  a  servant-boy,  he  was  strictly  and 
firmly  faithful  to  his  trust ;  so  that  any  one  acquainted 
with  him  would  not  be  inclined  to  inquire  with  Solo- 
mon, Prov.  XX.,  6,  "  A  faithful  man  who  can  find  ?" 
Indeed,  but  few  years  had  passed  over  his  head  before 
he  discovered  such  prudence  in  the  management  of  his 
master's  business,  that  the  oversight  of  it  was  almost 
wholly  committed  to  him.  If  a  horse  was  to  be  pur- 
chased, Lemuel  was  the  purchaser.  He  went  unbidden 


32 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


to  his  daily  toils  and  cares,  and  every  thing  prospered 
in  his  hands. 

When  he  was  a  small  boy  he  experienced  a  dread- 
ful alarm  in  a  thunder-storm,  which  made  an  impression 
that  was  never  effaced.  The  circumstances  of  this  af- 
fecting event  he  used  to  relate  to  his  family  in  nearly 
the  following  words :  "  One  evening,  as  I  was  left  at 
home  alone,  a  dark  cloud  came  over,  and  the  air  was 
filled  with  streams  of  lightning,  and  with  terrible  peals 
of  thunder,  and  the  house  shook.  At  first  I  had  fearful 
apprehension  that  the  last  great  day  was  come,  and  that 
the  world  would  be  burnt  up.  My  mind  was  filled  with 
solemn  awe  of  God's  great  power  and  majesty.  I  was 
afraid  of  being  struck  dead  and  sent  to  hell.  I  had  a 
solemn  conviction  that  I  was  unprepared,  and  that  it 
would  be  a  fearful  thing  to  fall  into  the  hands  of  the 
living  God." 

To  what  extent  the  scenes  of  this  evening  affected 
his  tender  and  thoughtful  mind  is  not  fully  known.  It 
is  stated,  however,  that  he  retained  the  impression 
which  the  solitude  of  his  condition,  and  especially  liis 
view  of  his  unfitness  to  die,  were  calculated  to  make. 
Ever  after  he  was  peculiarly  affected  during  thunder- 
storms, and  never  failed  to  allude  to  them  in  prayer  in 
terms  of  grateful  recollection.  Of  these  the  following 
is  a  specimen :  "  We  thank  thee  that  thy  lightning's  aw- 
ful blaze  has  not  consumed  our  dwelling,  nor  been  com- 
missioned to  burn  the  thread  of  life  as  in  a  moment." 
If  a  storm  of  thunder  arose  during  the  hour  of  worship 
in  his  family,  it  was  their  custom  to  sing  Watts's  hymn, 
entitled,  "  God  the  Thunderer ;  or,  the  Last  Judgment 
and  Hell." 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


33 


"  Sing  to  the  Lord,  ye  heavenly  hosts, 
And  thou,  O  earth  !  »dore ; 
Let  death  and  hell,  and  all  their  coasts. 
Stand  trembling  at  his  power. 

"  His  sounding  chariot  shakes  the  sky, 
He  makes  the  clouds  his  throne ; 
There  all  his  stores  of  lightning  lie 
Till  vengeance  dart  them  down. 

"  His  nostrils  breathe  out  fiery  streams. 
And  from  his  awful  tongue 
A  sovereign  voice  divides  the  flames. 
And  thunder  roars  along. 

"Think,  O  my  soul!  the  dreadful  day 
When  this  incensed  God 
Shall  rend  the  sky  and  burn  the  sea. 
And  fling  his  wrath  abroad. 

"  What  shall  the  wretch,  the  sinner  do? 
He  once  defied  the  Lord  ! 
But  he  shall  dread  the  thunderer  now, 
And  sink  beneath  his  word. 

'•Tempests  of  angry  fire  shall  roll. 
To  blast  the  rebel  worm. 
And  beat  upon  his  naked  soul 
In  one  eternal  storm." 


About  the  same  time  he  experienced  a  wonderful 
dehverancc  from  perishing  in  the  water.  He  had  gone, 
with  a  number  of  his  mates,  to  bathe  in  the  river.  It 
was  one  of  his  first  attempts  in  learning  to  swim. 
While  they  were  amusing  themselves  near  the  shore, 
Lemuel  ventured  beyond  his  depth,  and  soon  sunk  in 
deep  water.  His  young  friends  had  not  the  skill,  nor 
even  the  power,  to  save  him.  In  his  allusions  to  this 
memorable  event  of  his  life,  he  used  to  say — "  I  imme- 
diately sunk  to  the  bottom,  and  should  without  doubt 
have  been  drowned,  had  not  a  friend,  who  was  not  far 
off,  plunged  into  the  water  and  conveyed  me  to  the 


34 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


shore."  This  narrow  escape  from  a  watery  grave  he 
often  alluded  to,  even  in  the  pulpit,  as  illustrating  the 
special  and  merciful  care  of  Divine  providence  towards 
himself  in  that  dangerous  season  of  life. 

"  Those  who  observe  providences  shall  have  provi- 
dences to  observe."  Some  time  after  this,  there  was  an- 
other event  which  he  could  never  call  to  mind  but  with 
admiration  and  gratitude.  He  went  out  to  drive  a 
young  ox  to  the  slaughter,  and,  as  he  was  passing 
through^a  forest,  the  ox  determined  to  return.  But  he 
resolutely  urged  him  forward  with  considerable  violence, 
till  at  length,  irritated  to  madness,  the  animal  turned 
upon  his  driver,  and  with  his  sharp  horns  inflicted  seve- 
ral wounds  on  his  face  and  head.  With  much  difficulty, 
and  pursued  by  the  ox,  he  escaped  to  a  tree.  By  pas- 
sing continually  and  rapidly  round  it,  he  was  able  just 
to  elude  the  strokes  of  his  horns.  At  the  moment 
when  he  was  nearly  exhausted  by  exertion  and  terror, 
some  person  came  and  diverted  the  attention  of  the 
infuriated  animal,  and  saved  his  life.  His  wounds,  by 
medical  aid,  were  ultimately  healed,  but  his  deliverance 
from  an  untimely  and  dreadful  death  was  never  forgot- 
ten. Long  afterward,  even  to  the  close  of  his  life,  it 
was  remembered  and  mentioned  with  much  gratitude. 
He  was  a  firm  believer  in  a  special  providence,  and 
often  expressed  his  belief  by  quoting  a  favourite  pas- 
sage from  John  Newton  :  "  Did  I  not  beheve  in  the 
particular  providence  of  God,  I  should  not  dare  to  step 
my  foot  out  of  doors." 

It  was  a  just  saying  of  Juvenal,  "  Maxima  pueris 
debetur  reverentia."*    An  instance  strikingly  illustra- 

*  "  The  most  circumspect  deportment  should  be  maintained  in  the  pres- 
ence of  children." 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAVNES. 


35 


tive  of  this  principle  occurred  to  Lemuel  Haynes,  at 
the  age  of  nine  or  ten.  Being  very  expert  as  a  plough- 
boy,  he  was  frequently  employed  by  a  neighbour  of  li- 
centious principles.  By  this  man  religion  was  often 
ridiculed  in  his  hearing,  and  the  prayers  of  his  godly 
master  were  from  day  to  day  the  subject  of  profane 
jest.  The  infection,  thus  infused,  soon  produced  un- 
happy effects  in  his  susceptible  mind.  He  actually 
began  to  think,  that,  peradventure,  rehgion  is  but  a 
small  business.  Not  many  months  passed  away,  how- 
ever, before  the  family  of  the  scoffer  was  visited  with 
mortal  disease,  and  one  or  more  of  them  were  carried 
to  the  grave.  "  In  the  time  of  adversity"  he  began  to 
"  consider."  His  views  respecting  the  important  sub- 
ject of  religion  were  changed,  and  he  sent  for  Deacon 
Rose  to  pray  with  him.  Lemuel  saw  the  force  of  truth 
at  once.  He  reasoned  thus — "  If  prayer  and  religion 
are  needful  in  sickness  and  in  death,  they  must  be  im- 
portant in  health  and  in  life."  Nearly  seventy  years 
afterward,  in  his  last  visit  to  Granville,  he  referred  to 
this  remarkable  incident  with  grateful  acknowledgment 
of  the  hand  of  the  Lord,  which  had  thus  saved  him 
from  the  withering  influence  of  infidelity. 

The  extent,  particulgirity,  and  accuracy  of  the  knowl- 
edge which  he  eventually  acquired  of  various  subjects, 
and  especially  of  his  profession,  have  led  intelligent 
men  who  were  acquainted  with  him  to  inquire  how  he 
emerged  from  his  obscurity,  and  by  what  means  and 
efforts  he  arrived  at  the  intellectual  rank  and  influence 
which  he  held  during  so  great  a  portion  of  his  life. 
From  all  that  can  now  be  learned  respecting  him,  it  ap- 
pears that  he  possessed  the  facility  in  the  acquisition  of 
knowledge  which  is  "  the  birthright  of  genius."    It  was 


36 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


one  condition  of  his  indenture  that,  "  in  common  with 
other  children,  he  should  enjoy  the  usual  advantages  of 
a  district-school  education."  As,  in  the  newly-settled 
village  where  he  resided,  schools  were  in  session  but 
few  months  in  the  year,  and  the  teachers  but  moder- 
ately educated,  his  early  opportunities  for  instruction 
must  have  been  very  limited.  Business  often  kept  him 
from  school,  or  caused  him  to  arrive  at  a  late  hour. 
How  highly  his  scanty  privileges  were  appreciated  may 
be  learned  from  his  own  words : — "  As  I  had  the  ad- 
vantage of  attending  a  common  school  equal  with  the 
other  children,  I  was  early  taught  to  read,  to  which  I 
was  greatly  attached,  and  could  vie  with  almost  any  of 
my  age." 

The  remark  has  been  a  thousand  times  repeated,  that 
"  Lemuel  Haynes  got  his  education  in  the  chimney- 
corner."  This  is  literally  true.  It  may  be  necessary 
to  say  here,  that  chimneys  among  the  early  settlers  on 
the  western  hills  in  New-England  were  of  a  peculiar 
structure.  They  were  built  of  huge  stones,  with  a 
broad  base,  occupying  at  least  one  third  of  the  ground 
covered  by  the  building.  The  fireplace  seems  to  have 
received  its  form  either  with  reference  to  its  consuming 
the  greatest  quantity  of  fuel,  or  for  the  purpose  of  form- 
ing a  kind  of  sitting-room  for  the  younger  members  of 
the  family.  Hence  the  fireplace  was  nearly  eight  feet 
between  the  sides,  and  a  full  yard  in  depth.  In  one 
extreme  was  the  oven,  and  in  front  of  it  was  the  long 
square  block,  which  would  comfortably  seat  the  chil- 
dren, one,  two,  or  three  in  number,  as  the  case  might 
require.  Such  was  the  "  chimney-corner"  where  Lem- 
uel Haynes  in  his  childhood  laid  the  foundation  of  his 
future  usefulness.    While  his  mates  were  sporting  in 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


37 


the  streets  and  even  round  the  door,  you  might  see  him 
sitting  on  his  block  with  his  book  in  his  hand.  Even- 
ing after  evening  he  phed  his  studies  by  fireHght,  hav- 
ing the  preceding  day  laid  in  a  store  of  pine  knots  and 
other  combustibles  for  the  purpose.  The  luxury  of  a 
candle  he  rarely  enjoyed.  Here  he  studied  his  spel- 
ling-book and  psalter  till  he  had  literally  devoured  them. 
He  studied  the  Bible  till  he  could  produce  by  memory 
most  of  the  texts  which  have  a  bearing  upon  the  essen- 
tial doctrines  of  grace ;  and  could  also  refer,  with  nearly 
infallible  accuracy,  to  the  book,  chapter,  and  verse  where 
they  might  be  found.  At  length  he  procured  Young's 
Night  Thoughts,  and  was  soon  able  to  repeat  large  por- 
tions of  it,  together  with  a  great  part  of  Watts's  Psalms 
and  Hymns.  All  this  and  much  more  he  accomplish- 
ed on  his  block  in  the  chimney-corner  by  firelight.  At 
the  same  time  no  boy  in  the  neighbourhood  performed 
a  greater  amount  of  manual  labour.  Bound  by  inden- 
ture as  a  servant,  he  was  obliged  to  labour  hard  through 
the  day,  so  that  the  hours  of  the  evening  and  the  twi- 
light of  the  morning  were  his  only  time  for  mental  im- 
provement. 

And  yet  he  had  a  system.  One  day,  on  meeting  a 
youth  who  had  been  his  schoolmate,  he  said  to  him, 
"  Israel,  how  do  you  succeed  in  your  studies  ?"  After 
hearing  the  reply,  he  added,  "  I  make  it  my  rule  to 

KNOW  SOMETHING  MORE  EVERY  NIGHT  THAN  I  KNEW 

IN  THE  MORNING."  Here  is  the  grand  secret  of  his  at- 
tainments. Whatever  might  be  the  urgency  of  his  la- 
bour, he  made  every  passing  day  contribute  something 
to  his  improvement.  This  was  undoubtedly  the  gov- 
erning principle  of  his  life.  And  as  in  his  immediate 
D 


38 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


vicinity  there  were  but  few  books,  he  converted  inani- 
mate things  into  inslructers,  so  that  he  found 

"  Tongues  in  trees,  books  in  the  running  brooks, 
Sermons  in  stones,  and  good  in  every  thing." 

Thus  he  struggled  forward  in  a  course  of  study,  and, 
as  far  as  he  was  taught  at  all,  he  was  his  own  teacher. 
Though  almost  without  books,  and  entirely  without 
teachers  except  in  the  rudiments  of  reading  and  pen- 
manship, and  exposed  to  numerous  hinderances  and  per- 
plexities, his  mind  was  subjected  to  unremitting  and 
severe  discipline.  And  if  he  suffered  by  the  absence 
of  the  usual  advantages  of  liberally  educated  men,  he 
must  have  been  led  at  least  to  try  his  own  powers,  and 
to  form  habits  of  independence  and  decision. 

A  general  scarcity  of  books  was  one  of  the  severest 
difficulties  which  he  had  to  encounter.  There  was  no 
public  library  in  the  place.  The  Bible,  psalter,  spel- 
ling-book, and  perhaps  a  volume  or  two  of  sermonp, 
comprised  the  library  of  the  most  respectable  families. 
Hence  he  remarks — "  I  was  constantly  inquiring  after 
books,  especially  in  theology.  I  was  greatly  pleased 
with  the  writings  of  Walts  and  Doddridge,  and  with 
Young's  Night  Thoughts.  My  good  master  encour- 
aged me  in  the  matter." 

At  the  age  of  about  sixteen  or  seventeen  he  again 
experienced  a  narrow  escape  from  the  fatal  snare  of 
the  infidel.  A  professional  gentleman  had  moved  into 
the  place  who  owned  a  small  library.  The  privilege 
of  using  his  books  was  granted  to  young  Haynes. 
Having  borrowed  and  thoroughly  read  one  book  after 
another,  he  at  length  received  the  loan  of  a  volume 
which  contained  the  principles  of  a  poisonous  infideli- 
ty.   He  was  now  at  that  perilous  period  of  life  when 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


39 


the  unformed  mind  is  specially  exposed  to  the  influence 
of  skepticism.  As  yet  he  was  a  stranger  to  the  renew- 
mg  operations  of  grace.  He  soon  learned  the  charac- 
ter of  the  book,  and,  recollecting  his  former  exposure, 
determined  not  to  read  it.  Having  invented  a  suitable 
reproof,  and  wrought  it  into  two  or  three  poetic  coup- 
lets, he  put  it  into  the  book  and  returned  it  to  the  own- 
er. The  doctor  was  exceedingly  mortified  at  having 
subjected  himself  to  so  just  a  reproof  from  a  poor  ser- 
vant-boy, and  never  again  attempted  to  obtrude  infidel 
principles  upon  him. 

Deacon  Rose  seceded  from  the  first  church  in  Gran- 
ville, and  united  with  a  small  company  of  Christians 
styled  sepal  ates.  While  he  attended  on  the  Sabballi  a 
meeting  of  his  separate  brethren,  his  wife  strenuously 
adhered  to  the  church,  and  no  ordinary  obstacle  could 
detain  her  from  the  house  of  God, on  the  Lord's  day. 
It  fell  to  the  lot  of  Lemuel  to  accompany  her,  of  whicli 
he  has  given  a  very  amusing  account.  "  I  used  to 
carry  my  mistress  across  the  mountain  Sabbath  days  to 
meeting.  She  was  a  member  of  Reverend  Mr.  Smith's 
church.  In  the  winter  our  carriage  was  a  one-horse 
sled ;  the  box  was  two  boards,  with  four  round  sticks 
to  couple  them  together.  In  this  humble  plight  I  used 
to  take  a  great  deal  of  satisfaction  in  wailing  on  my 
good  old  mistress  from  time  to  time." 

In  the  intermission,  especially  in  the  warm  season, 
he  often  stole  away  into  the  forest,  and  spent  tlie  hour 
in  devout  meditation  and  prayer.  At  other  limes,  when 
even  but  a  boy,  he  sometimes  collected  his  youthful  ac- 
quaintances around  him,  and  repeated  in  their  hearing 
the  morning  sermon  with  wonderful  accuracy.  At 
night,  whenever  requested  by  Deacon  Rose,  he  gave 


40 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


him  from  memory  a  copious  analysis  of  the  sermons 
and  other  rehgious  services  of  the  house  of  God. 

In  1775  the  excellent  and  pious  Mrs.  Rose  died.  In 
her  death  he  lost  every  thing  comprehended  in  the  en- 
dearing name  of  mother.  She  had  adopted  him  as  her 
ovFn  son  in  early  infancy,  and  tenderly  trained  him  up 
in  the  nurture  and  admonition  of  the  Lord.  This  mem- 
orable and  grievous  affliction  he  has  recorded  in  the  fol- 
lowing words : — "  Soon  after  I  came  of  age,  God  was 
pleased  to  take  my  mistress  away,  to  my  inexpressible 
sorrow.  It  caused  me  bitter  mourning  and  lamenta- 
tion." 


CHAPTER  II. 

HISTORY  OF  MR.  HAYNES  CONTINUED  TILL  HE  COM- 
MENCES STUDYING  FOR  THE  MINISTRY. 

In  the  life  of  every  good  man,  with  the  exception  of 
such  as  are  sanctified  in  their  infancy,  there  is  a  marked 
period,  when  the  great  change  is  experienced  to  which 
the  Saviour  refers  when  he  says,  "  Ye  must  be  born 
again."  In  some  instances,  men  of  high  attainments  in 
piety,  instead  of  pointing  to  the  time  of  this  change,  can 
only  adopt  the  language  of  the  blind  man  ;  "  One  thing 
I  know,  that  whereas  I  was  blind,  now  I  see."  Baxter 
could  tell  neither  the  day,  the  month,  nor  the  year  in 
which  he  was  made  alive  in  Christ  Jesus.  Edwards, 
Brainard,  Richmond,  and  many  others,  leave  us  in  little 
or  no  doubt  respecting  the  time  of  their  conversion  to 
God ;  of  this  class  was  Mr.  Haynes.    Though  he  has 


REV.  LEMUEL  IIAYNES. 


41 


left  to  us  no  means  of  fixing  on  the  day,  nor  even  the 
year,  in  which  he  was  renewed  in  the  spirit  of  his  mind, 
yet  he  often  spoke  of  a  time,  and  particularly  described 
the  place  where  it  occurred.  In  childhood,  indeed,  he 
was  the  subject  of  religious  impressions,  but  it  was  not 
till  his  arrival  at  mature  years  that  he  was  enabled,  after 
a  season  of  great  distress,  to  accept  the  salvation  of  the 
gospel.  In  a  letter  written  in  answer  to  the  particular 
inquiries  of  a  friend,  he  gave  the  following  account  of 
this  interesting  event. 

HIS  CONVERSION. 

"  I  remember  I  often  had  serious  impressions,  or 
fearful  apprehensions  of  going  to  hell.  I  spent  much 
time  in  what  I  called  secret  prayer.  I  was  one  evening 
greatly  alarmed  by  the  Aurora  Borealis,  or  Northern 
Lights.  It  was  in  that  day  esteemed  a  presage  of  the 
day  of  judgment.  For  many  days  and  nights  I  was 
greatly  alarmed,  through  fear  of  appearing  before  the 
bar  of  God,  knowing  that  I  was  a  sinner;  I  cannot  ex- 
press the  terrors  of  mind  that  I  felt.  One  evening,  being 
under  an  apple-tree  mourning  my  wretched  situation,  I 
hope  I  found  the  Saviour.  I  always  visit  the  place 
when  I  come  to  Granville,  and,  when  I  can,  I  pluck 
some  fruit  from  the  tree  and  carry  it  home  :  it  is  sweet 
to  my  taste.  I  have  fears  at  times  that  I  am  deceived, 
but  still  I  hope.  Reading  averse  in  Mr.  Erskine's  son- 
nets a  little  strengthened  me.  In  describing  marks  of 
grace,  he  asks, 

"  '  Dost  ask  the  place,  the  spot  of  land, 
Where  Jesus  did  thee  meet  ? 
And  how  he  got  thy  heart  and  hand  ? 
Thy  husband  then  was  sweet.' 

"  Soon  after  I  united  with  the  church  in  East  Gran- 
D  2 


43 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


ville,  and  was  baptized  by  the  Rev.  Jonathan  Hunting- 
ton, minister  or  pastor  of  the  church  in  Worthington." 

Mr.  Haynes,  during  his  minority,  enjoyed  the  labours 
of  a  faithful,  evangelical  minister,  and  has  left,  in  a  let- 
ter to  a  friend,  the  following  tribute  to  his  memory : — 

"  You  wish  me  to  give  a  biographical  sketch  of  the 
Reverend  Jedediah  Smith.  I  am  not  able  to  say  much, 
being  young,  and  much  of  the  time  inattentive  and  too 
indifferent  to  the  preaching  of  the  gospel ;  but  I  have 
the  impression  that  he  was  an  evangelical  preacher. 
He  used  to  make,  at  times,  considerable  impression  on 
my  mind.  He  used  zealously  to  call  upon  the  youth 
to  remember  their  Creator.  He  would  preach  to  us  the 
dreadful  state  of  the  damned,  and  the  necessity  of  being 
born  of  God.  I  used  at  times,  after  hearing  his  solemn 
addresses,  in  the  intermission,  to  retire  by  myself  up 
north  of  the  old  meeting-house  for  meditation  and 
prayer.  I  remember  that  Mr.  Smith  was  very  pointed 
against  vice  and  immorality."  *  •  *  *  • 
•       **       *       *  ••»•» 

"  The  sentiments  of  Dr.  Hopkins  were  very  impopu- 
lar  in  that  day.  Many  considered  them  as  unscriptural. 
Mr.  Smith,  though  a  Calvinist,  did  not  approve  of  them, 
which  w^as  the  case  with  many  good  ministers ;  the 
doctrines  of  the  gospel,  being  illustrated  in  a  novel  point 
of  light,  were  not  so  readily  embraced.  The  cause  of 
division  between  Mr.  Smith  and  his  people  was  the 
subject  of  the  qualifications  for  church  membership. 
"When  he  was  called  to  settle  in  Granville,  he  suggest- 
ed that  he  was  inclined  to  be  a  Stoddardian,  or  in  senti- 
ment with  Mr.  Stoddard  of  Northampton,  who  did  not 
hold  evidence  of  grace  to  be  a  necessary  term  of  admis- 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


43 


sion  into  the  visible  church.  Many  of  the  church 
thought  differently,  and  were  of  Edwards's  opinion. 
Mr.  Smith  observed  that  he  had  not  investigated  the 
matter  so  accurately  as  he  could  wish.  Not  much 
more  was  said  on  the  subject.  He  was  ordained, 
though  some  of  the  members  of  the  church  were  not 
entirely  satisfied.  There  was  good  harmony  existing 
between  the  minister  and  people  for  many  years,  and 
several  revivals  of  religion,  particularly  among  the 
youth.  He  was  a  man  of  remarkable  piety,  pleasant- 
ness, and  affability." 

To  the  above  account  it  may  be  proper  to  add,  that 
in  1776,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Smith,  after  a  ministry  of  twenty 
years,  was  dismissed  from  his  pastoral  charge.  Hav- 
ing preached  his  farewell  sermon  to  his  flock  in  Gran- 
ville, he  embarked  at  Middletown,  with  his  family,  for 
Louisiana,  which  was  then  nearly  an  unbroken  desert. 
Previous  to  reaching  the  place  of  his  destination,  he 
went  to  the  "bourn  from  whence  no  traveller  re- 
turns." In  a  lingering  passage  up  the  Mississippi,  be- 
ing exposed  to  intense  heat  and  a  noxious  atmosphere, 
he  was  attacked  with  fever,  and  in  a  phrensy  leaped 
overboard  into  the  river.  By  the  efforts  of  the  marin- 
ers he  was  rescued  from  the  water,  but  soon  after 
died,  and  was  buried  on  the  land.  The  river  gi-adually 
encroached  on  the  bank  where  he  lay,  till,  in  a  flood, 
the  grave,  with  its  precious  deposite,-was  borne  away, 
and,  as  in  the  case  of  Moses,  "  no  man  knoweth  of  his 
sepulchre  unto  this  day."  His  bereaved  family  pro- 
ceeded with  a  commendable  perseverance,  and  foimded 
a  settlement  in  that  remote  country.  The  descendants 
of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Smith  comprise  some  of  the  most  re- 
spectable citizens  in  the  State  of  Louisiana. 


44 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


Mr.  Haynes  early  manifested  a  happy  faculty  in  re- 
proving the  vices  of  his  companions.  Plain,  personal 
reproof,  though  difficult  and  often  odious,  is  an  imperi- 
ous and  salutary  duty.  In  some  felicitous  cases,  like 
that  of  Nathan  the  prophet  and  the  royal  transgressor, 
the  result  exceeds  all  rational  expectation.  In  other 
instances',  the  faithful  reprover  of  sin,  like  John  the 
Baptist,  who  fearlessly  rebuked  Herod,  falls  a  victim  to 
his  fidelity.  Young  Haynes  was  in  the  habit  of  re- 
buking all  transgression  which  fell  under  his  own  no- 
tice ;  and  this  was  done  with  such  discernment  of  the 
human  character,  and  such  chastened  shrewdness,  as 
seldom  failed  of  success. 

The  first  conversion  of  which  he  seems  to  have  been 
the  happy  instrument,  was  the  result  of  bold  reproof 
for  open  and  revolting  wickedness.  It  is  painful  to  re- 
late the  deed  which  aroused  his  feelings  and  called 
forth  his  remonstrances  ;  but,  as  it  furnishes  an  instance 
of  desperate  depravity,  and  especially  as  it  exhibits  that 
successful  boldness  in  reproof  for  which  Mr.  Haynes 
was  distinguished  through  life,  the  facts  will  be  given. 

Being  requested,  in  company  with  two  reckless 
young  men,  to  perform  the  service  of  watching  through 
the  night  with  a  corpse,  he  little  suspected  what  he  was 
compelled  to  encounter.  After  the  bereaved  family  had 
retired  to  rest,  the  two  young  men,  having  previously 
procured  a  quantity  of  strong  drink,  soon  banished  from 
their  minds  that  seriousness  and  solemn  sense  of  death 
and  eternity  which  the  occasion  might  seem  to  inspire. 
They  commenced  their  intemperate  drinking  and  guilty 
carousal,  and  the  house  of  mourning  became  a  scene  of 
midnight  revelry.  Mr.  Haynes  expostulated  with  them, 
but  in  vain.    His  warnings  only  exasperated  them.  At 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


45 


length  he  beheld  an  instance  of  impiety  the  most  re- 
volting !  Taking  a  cup  of  strong  drink,  they  proceeded 
to  pour  it  into  the  mouth  of  the  dead  man,  saying,  "  He 
used  to  love  it  when  he  was  alive,  and  we  think  a  little^ 
will  not  hurt  him  now  he  is  dead."  Appalled  at  such 
irreverence  of  God  and  regardlessness  of  death,  he  ad- 
dressed them  in  loud  and  earnest  tones  of  warning  and 
reproof.  Thus  the  night  passed  away.  In  the  morning 
they  separated;  and,  from  all  that  then  appeared,  the 
events  of  that  night  had  produced  no  effect  but  to  prepare 
the  guilty  actors  for  other  deeds  of  revolting  impiety. 

One  of  the  young  men,  however,  "  was  pricked  in  the 
heart"  by  the  affecting  admonitions  which  he  then  heard. 
Conscience  was  aroused,  and  his  sins  were  set  in  order 
before  him.  He  strove,  at  the  time,  to  stifle  his  con- 
victions, and  treated  his  reprover  with  contempt.  But 
it  was  in  vain  to  resist  the  truth  of  God.  Light  flashed 
across  his  guilty  conscience.  It  pleased  God  by  his 
spirit  to  give  him  such  a  sense  of  danger  and  of  guilt, 
that  he  could  find  no  peace  till  he  found  it  in  Jesus 
Christ.  Some  time  after  this,  in  a  letter  to  Mr.  Haynes, 
he  frankly  and  penitently  acknowledged  his  guilty  con- 
duct, gave  him  many  thanks  for  his  timely  and  earnest 
warnings,  and  ever  after  "  brought  forth  fruits  meet  for 
repentance." 

Lemuel  Haynes  was  a  patriot  of  the  revolution.  In 
his  youth  he  imbibed  those  great  principles  respecting 
"the  rights  of  man,"  in  defence  of  which  war  was 
waged  with  the  parent  coimtry.  He  hved  in  times 
that  "  tried  men's  souls,"  and  never  did  there  e.x;ist 
men,  in  any  age  or  country,  whose  souls  were  better 
fitted  for  the  trial  than  those  among  whom  his  lot  was 
cast.    In  1774  he  enlisted  as  a  "minute  man,"  and 


46 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


thus  became  connected  with  the  American  army.  By 
this  cnhstment  he  was  required  to  spend  one  day  in 
the  week  in  manual  exercises,  and  to  hold  himself  in 
readiness  for  actual  service.  Soon  after  the  battle  at 
Lexington  (1775),  he  joined  the  army  at  Roxbury. 
The  next  year  he  was  a  volunteer  in  the  expedition  to 
Ticonderoga  to  expel  the  enemy.  These  were  scenes 
never  to  be  forgotten.  After  the  lapse  of  more  than 
forty  years,  he  very  beautifully  alludes  to  these  cam- 
paigns in  a  sermon  on  the  anniversary  of  Washing- 
ton's birthday. 

"  Perhaps  it  is  not  ostentatious  in  the  speaker  to  ob- 
serve, that  in  early  life  he  devoted  all  for  the  sake  of 
freedom  and  independence,  and  endured  frequent  cam- 
paigns in  their  defence,  and  has  never  viewed  the 
sacrifice  too  great.  And  should  an  attack  be  made  on 
this  sacred  ark,  the  poor  remains  of  life  would  be  devo- 
ted to  its  defence." 

In  a  sermon  delivered  at  Bennington,  in  Vermont, 
there  is  also  an  allusion  to  these  early  events.  The 
following  is  an  extract  from  the  manuscript : — 

"  When  Bennington  was  first  settled  it  was  highly 
esteemed  for  piety.  Their  first  minister  was  the  Rev- 
erend Mr.  Dewey.  Fifty-four  years  ago  next  October, 
I  was  in  this  town  with  troops  on  their  march  to 
Ticonderoga.  We  halted  here  on  the  Sabbath  for 
the  forenoon.  I  heard  him  preach  from  Rom.  v.,  1  : — 
'  Therefore,  being  justified  by  faith,  tve  have  peace 
with  God,  through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.^  He  was 
zealous,  and  called  on  his  hearers  affectionately  to  flee 
to  the  Saviour.  I  think  you  have  settled  six  ministers 
in  this  place,  with  five  of  whom  I  had  personal  ac- 
quaintance ;  and,  in  a  judgment  of  charity,  we  must 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAVNES. 


47 


call  them  the  faithful  servants  of  Christ,  who  have,  no 
doubt,  warned  you  to  flee  from  the  wrath  to  come. 
When  I  was  here  at  the  time  I  have  just  mentioned, 
I  was  in  s6me  families  where  I  thought  I  discovered 
uncommon  piety  and  zeal  for  the  cause  of  God.  I 
heard  fervent  prayers  for  the  minister,  that  God  would 
be  with  him  on  the  morrow,  which  I  can  never  forget. 
I  lodged  one  night  with  him  who  was  afterward  chief 
magistrate  in  this  state — I  mean  Governor  Robinson. 
I  was  transported  with  his  apparent  attachment  to  the 
cause  of  God.  When  in  the  army,  at  the  northward, 
I  would  go  to  his  camp,  and  hear  him  pour  out  his 
heart  in  prayer  to  God  for  his  country  and  the  church 
of  God.  I  have  heard  him  in  this  house  call  on  sin- 
ners to  repent.  What  an  example  of  piety  was  the 
aged  mother,  at  whose  interment  I  was  present,  and 
heard  a  pertinent  discourse  from  Rev.  xiv.,  13  : — '  And 
I  heard  a  voice  from  heaven  saying  unto  me.  Write, 
blessed  are  the  dead  which  die  in  the  Lord  from 
henceforth  :  yea,  saith  the  Spirit,  that  they  may  rest 
from  their  labours ;  and  their  works  do  follow  them.' 
Her  piety  was  spoken  of  through  this  and  adjoining 
states.  W^hat  prayers,  what  fervent  intercessions,  as- 
cended up  from,  that  consecrated  altar  for  this  people, 
is  known  only  in  heaven.  I  remember,  at  an  anniver- 
sary celebration  of  '  Bennington  battle,'  being  myself 
present,  this  mother  in  Israel,  fearing  that  something 
might  be  done  to  the  dishonour  of  God,  who  gave  sig- 
nal deliverance  and  victory  over  the  enemy,  said,  '  that 
she  feared  and  trembled  more  on  that  day  than  on  the 
day  of  Bennington  battle.' " 

After  the  clo^e  of  his  northern  campaign  he  return- 
ed to  his  former  home,  where  his  time  was  employed 


48 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


in  agricultural  pursuits.  One  year  he  cultivated  a 
large  field  for  the  raising  of  wheat,  and  a  short  time 
before  the  work  was  finished  he  was  assailed  by  a 
typhus  fever,  and  for  a  long  time  confined  to  his  bed. 
His  friends  collected  and  generously  completed  the 
labour  requisite  to  prepare  his  field  for  a  harvest. 

But  while  thus  industriously  engaged  in  the  ordi- 
nary employments  of  life,  and  largely  enjoying  the 
respect  of  those  by  whom  he  was  surrounded,  he  little 
anticipated  the  designs  of  Providence  concerning  him. 
By  improving  his  evenings,  and  by  rising  early  in  the 
morning,  he  had  made  considerable  proficiency  in  the 
study  of  theology.  At  length  he  selected  his  text,  and 
composed  a  sermon,  without  education  or  teacher.  As 
in  the  family  of  Deacon  Rose,  the  evening  preceding 
the  Sabbath  was  devoted  to  family  instruction  and  reli- 
gious worship,  a  sermon  was  occasionally  read.  The 
sermons  of  Watts,  Whitefield,  Doddridge,  and  Davies 
were  usually  selected,  and  young  Haynes  was  the 
reader.  One  evening,  being  called  upon  to  read  as 
usual,  he  slipped  into  the  book  his  own  sermon  which 
he  had  written,  and  read  it  to  the  family.  The  deacon 
was  greatly  delighted  and  edified  by  the  sermon,  as 
it  was  doubtless  read  with  unusual  vivacity  and  feel- 
ing. His  eyes  were  dim,  and  he  had  no  suspicion 
that  any  thing  out  of  the  ordinary  course  had  happen- 
ed ;  and,  at  the  close  of  the  reading,  he  inquired  very 
earnestly,  "  Lemuel,  whose  work  is  that  which  you 
have  been  reading  ?  Is  it  Davies's  sermon,  or  Watts's, 
or  Whitefield's  ?"  It  was  the  deacon's  impression  that 
the  sermon  was  Whitefield's.  Haynes  blushed  and 
hesitated,  but  at  last  was  obliged  to  confess  the  truth — 
"It's  Lemuel's  sermon."    The  only  person  among  the 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


49 


living  who  was  present  on  this  interesting  Saturday 
evening  has  kindly  furnished  some  of  the  facts  here 
stated* 

This  sermon,  being  the  production  of  a  young  man 
who  had  never  enjoyed  an  hour's  instruction  beyond 
the  district  school,  and  being  delivered  under  such 
peculiar  circumstances,  will  be  read  with  curiosity  and 
delight.  It  is  here  presented  in  its  original  form,  with 
scarcely  the  slightest  alteration  from  the  manuscript. 

SERMON. 

John  iii.,  3  : — "  Jesus  answered  and  said  unto  him. 
Verily,  verily,  I  say  unto  thee,  except  a  man  be  born 
again,  he  cannot  see  the  kingdom  of  God." 

This  chapter  contains  a  conference  between  our 
blessed  Lord  and  Nicodemus,  a  ruler  of  the  Jews. 
This  great  man  came  to  our  Saviour  by  night,  and  ad- 
dressed him  in  this  manner  :  "  Rabbi,"  says  he,  "  we 
know  that  thou  art  a  teacher  come  from  God,  for  no 
man  can  do  the  miracles  that  thou  doest  except  God  be 
with  him."  Doubtless  he  had  a  rational  conviction, 
from  the  many  miracles  that  Christ  did,  that  he  was 
come  from  God.  Our  blessed  Lord  did  not  stand  to 
show  who  he  was,  but,  like  a  wise  and  kind  teacher, 
takes  occasion  to  inculcate  the  importance  of  the  great 
doctrine  of  regeneration  ;  and  tells  him,  with  a  double 
asseveration,  that,  except  a  man  be  born  again,  he  can- 
not see  the  kingdom  of  God.  But,  as  great  as  this 
man  was,  we  find  that  he  was  ignorant  in  a  fundamen- 
tal point  in  religion.  It  appeared  a  paradox  unto  him  ; 
for  he,  supposing  our  Lord  must  mean  a  natural  birth, 
asks  him,  as  in  ver.  4,  "  How  can  a  man  be  bom  when 
he  is  old?  Can  he  enter  the  second  time  into  his 
mother's  womb,  and  be  born  ?"  Christ,  in  order  fur- 
ther to  explain  his  meaning,  and  to  show  that  it  was 


*  Stephen  B.  Mimn,  Esq.,  New-York. 

E 


50 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


not  a  natural  birth  tliat  he  had  reference  to,  adds, 
"  Verily,  verily,  I  say  unto  thee,  except  a  man  be  born 
of  water  and  of  the  Spirit,  he  cannot  enter  into  the 
kingdom  of  God."  By  which,  perliaps,  we  may  under- 
stand, that,  as  water  is  often  made  use  of  in  the  Scrip- 
tures as  a  symbolical  representation  of  the  regenera- 
ting and  sanctifying  influences  of  the  Holy  Spirit  on 
the  hearts  of  the  children  of  men,  so,  unless  we  are 
born  of  the  water  of  the  Spirit  (as  divines  interpret  il), 
we  cannot  see  the  kingdom  of  God. 

Our  Lord  proceeds  to  tell  him.  That  which  is  born 
of  the  flesh  is  flesh,  and  that  which  is  born  of  the 
spirit  is  spirit.  Q.  cL,  It  woidd  be  to  no  purpose  if  a 
man  shoidd  have  another  natural  birth,  seeing  it  would 
not  alter  his  nature ;  for  that  which  is  born  of  the 
flesh  is  flesh ;  let  it  be  born  ever  so  many  times  of  the 
flesh,  it  would  still  remain  fleshly  ;  and  that  which  is 
born  of  the  spirit  is  spirit.  "  Marvel  not  that  I  said 
unto  thee.  Ye  must  be  born  again."  And  now  it  seem- 
ed a  greater  mystery  to  Nicodemus  than  ever ;  there- 
fore he  cries  out,  as  in  ver.  9,  "  How  can  these  things 
be  ?" 

Thus  you  see,  as  I  observed  before,  that,  although 
Nicodemus  was  a  great  man,  a  ruler  of  the  Jevys,  he 
was  ignorant  about  the  new  birth.  And  doubtless  it  is 
so  now.  There  arc  many  of  the  gi-eat  ones  of  the 
earth — tell  them  about  experimental  religion — tell  them 
that  they  must  feel  the  Holy  Spirit  working  power- 
fully on  their  hearts — that  they  must  be  born  again — 
they  are  ready  to  cry  out,  with  this  master  in  Israel, 
How  can  these  things  be  ? 

But,  to  return  to  the  words  first  read  In 

speaking  something  from  these  words  I  shall  pursue 
the  following  metliod  : — 

I.  Show  the  necessity  of  regeneration,  or  of  our 
being  born  again. 

H.  Explain  tlie  natiurc  of  the  new  birth,  or  what  it 
is  to  be  born  again. 

HI.  Show  what  we  arc  to  understand  by  seeing  the 
kingdom  of  God. 


REV.  LEMUEL  IIAYNES. 


51 


IV.  Make  some  remarks. 

,1.  This  will  appear,  if  we  consider  that  state  that 
mankind  are  in  antecedent  to  the  new  birth.  And  if 
we  view  mankind  as  they  come  into  the  world,  we 
shall  then  find  them  haters  of  God — enemies  to  God 
— estranged  from  God — nay,  the  very  lieart  is  en- 
mity itself  against  all  the  Divine  perfections ;  and  we 
shall  find  them  acting  most  freely  and  most  voluntarily 
in  these  exercises.  There  is  no  state  or  circumstance 
that  they  prefer  to  the  present,  unless  it  be  one  where- 
by they  may  dishonour  God  more,  or  carry  on  their 
war  with  heaven  with  a  higher  hand.  They  have  no 
relish  for  divine  things,  but  hate,  and  choose  to  re- 
main enemies  to,  all  that  is  morally  good.  Now,  that 
this  is  actually  the  case  with  sinners,  is  very  evident 
from  the  Scriptures.  We  are  told  in  the  chapter  of 
which  the  text  is  a  part,  that  that  which  is  born  of  the 
flesh  is  flesh,  and  tiiat  which  is  born  of  the  spirit  is 
spirit ;  which  teaches  us  that  there  is  nothing  truly 
spiritual  or  holy  in  the  first  birth,  but  that  this  comes 
by  the  second,  or  by  the  renewings  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 
Christ  tells  the  Jews  that  they  hated  him  without  a 
cause.  And  the  inspired  apostle  says,  "  That  the  car- 
nal mind  is  enmity  against  God,  for  it  is  not  subject  to 
the  law  of  God,  neither  indeed  can  be.  So,  then, 
they  that  are  in  the  flesh  cannot  please  God." — Rom. 
viii.,  7,  8.  Therefore, 

2.  Seeing  this  is  the  state  that  mankind  are  in  an- 
tecedent to  the  new  birth,  it  is  not  fit  or  reasonable 
that  God  should  bring  them  into  favour  with  himself, 
or  be  at  peace  with  them,  without  regeneration.  Nay, 
he  cannot,  consistent  with  his  perfection,  for  this  would 
be  for  him  to  connive  at  wickedness  when  he  tells  us 
that  he  can  by  no  means  clear  the  guilty.  And, 

3.  To  suppose  that  sinners  can  see  the  kingdom 
of  God  or  be  happy  in  the  Divine  favour  without  re- 
generation or  the  new  birth,  is  a  perfect  inconsistency, 
or  contrary  to  the  nature  of  the  thing.  The  very 
essence  of  religion  consists  in  love  to  God  ;  and  a  man 
is  no  further  happy  in  the  favour  of  God  than  he  loves 


52 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OP 


God.  Therefore,  to  say  we  enjoy  happiness  in  God, 
and  at  the  same  time  hate  God,  is  a  plain  contradiction, 

4.  It  is  evident  from  Scripture  that  those  to  whom 
God  gives  a  title  to  his  spiritual  kingdom  are  regen- 
erated or  born  again,  and  those  that  are  not,  and  re- 
main so,  shall  be  miserable.  This  is  not  only  asserted 
in  the  text  by  the  Son  of  God,  who  was  co-equal,  co- 
eternal,  and  co-essential  with  the  Father — whose  words 
stand  more  permanent  than  the  whole  fabric  of  heaven 
and  earth — and  who  stands  at  the  gate  of  the  universe, 
and  will  not  alter  the  things  that  have  gone  out  of  his 
mouth ;  I  say,  it  was  not  only  spoken  by  this  glorious 
being  who  cannot  lie,  by  his  own  lips,  with  a  repeated 
verily,  but  has  been  confirmed  by  tiiose  whom  he  in- 
spired, and  who,  we  are  assured,  had  the  mind  of 
Christ.  St.  Paul  gives  us  the  character  of  a  good 
man,  or  one  entitled  to  the  heavenly  world,  2  Cor.  v., 
17  :  "If  any  man  be  in  Christ  Jesus,  he  is  a  new  crea- 
ture ;  old  things  are  passed  away,  behold,  all  things  are 
become  new."  And  they  are  said  to  be  renewed  in  the 
spirit  of  their  mind,  Eph.  iv.,  23.  Compare  Rom.  xii., 
2.  And  to  be  born  of  God,  John  i.,  13.  And  they 
arc  spoken  of  as  being  lovers  of  God,  Prov.  viii.,  17. 
And  [respecting]  those  that  are  not  of  this  character, 
or  that  remain  enemies  to  God,  he  tells  us  that  he  will 
pour  out  his  fury  upon  them.  Hence  we  read  that  the 
wicked  shall  be  turned  into  hell,  even  all  the  nations 
that  forget  God ;  and  that  without  holiness  no  man  shall 
see  the  Lord.  And  St.  John  the  Divine,  having  a  view 
of  the  glory  of  the  heavenly  world,  says  that  there  shall 
in  no  wise  enter  into  it  any  thing  that  defileth,  neither 
whatsoever  worketh  abomination,  or  maketh  a  lie,  but 
they  which  are  written  in  the  Lamb's  book  of  life. 
Thus  we  see  the  propriety  of  our  Lord's  assertion, 
that,  except  a  man  be  born  again,  he  cannot  see  the 
kingdom  of  God. 

But,  as  I  mean  to  handle  the  subject  with  the  utmost 
brevity,  I  pass  on, 

II.  To  show  the  nature  of  regeneration,  or  what  it  is 
to  be  born  again.    And  here, 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNE3. 


53 


1.  I  would  consider  the  agent,  or  who  it  is  that  ef- 
fects tliis  great  work.  And  if  we  consider  that  state 
that  mankind  are  in  by  nature,  as  has  been  described 
above,  we  need  not  stand  long  to  know  who  to  attribute 
this  work  to.  It  is  a  work  too  great  to  attribute  to  men 
or  angels  to  accomplish.  None  but  He  who,  by  one 
word's  speaking,  spake  all  nature  into  existence,  can 
triumph  over  the  opposition  of  the  heart.  This  is  the 
work  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  who  is  represented  in  Scrip- 
ture as  emanating  from  the  Father  and  the  Son,  yet  co- 
equal with  them  both.  It  is  God  alone  that  slays  the 
native  enmity  of  the  heart — that  takes  away  those  evil 
dispositions  liiat  govern  the  man — takes  away  the  heart 
of  stone  and  gives  a  soft  heart — and  makes  him  that 
was  a  hater  of  God,  an  enemy  to  God,  to  become 
friendly  to  his  divine  character.  This  is  not  wrought 
by  any  efficiency  of  man,  or  by  any  external  motives,  or 
by  any  light  let  into  the  understanding,  but  of  God. 
Hence  we  read  that  those  that  receive  Clirist  are  born, 
not  of  blood,  nor  of  the  will  of  the  flesh,  nor  of  the  will 
of  man,  but  of  God. — John  i.,  13.  And  that  it  is  the 
gift  of  God. — Eph.  ii.,  8.  Also  that  it  is  God  which 
worketh  in  us. — Phil,  ii.,  13. 

Thus,  I  say,  the  man  is  entirely  passive  in  this  work, 
but  it  is  all  wrought  immediately  by  a  Divine  agency.* 
The  man  now  becomes  a  new  creature.  Although  he 
cannot  discern  what  is  the  way  of  the  spirit  (as  the 
wise  man  observes),  or  how  God  thus  changes  the  heart, 
yet  he  knows  that  he  has  different  feelings  from  what 
he  had  before.  Therefore, 

2.  It  is  necessary  that  we  consider  those  things  that 
are  the  attendants  or  consequences  of  regeneration  or 
the  new  birth ;  for  there  are  no  gracious  or  holy  exer- 
cises that  are  prior  thereto,  to  be  sure,  in  the  order  of 
nature.  Some  seem  to  suppose  faith  to  be  before  re- 
generation, but  a  little  reflection  upon  the  matter  will 

*  "  In  regeneration  man  is  wholly  passive  ;  in  conversion  he  is  active. 
Regeneration  is  the  motion  of  God  in  the  creature;  conversion  is  the  mo- 
tion of  the  creature  to  God,  by  virtue  of  that  lirst  principle  whence  spring 
all  the  acts  of  believing,  repenting,  and  quickening.  In  all  these  man  is 
active;  in  the  other  he  is  merely  passive." — Charnqck. 

E  2 


54 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


show  this  to  be  wrong.  By  faith  we  are  to  understand 
a  beUeving  of  those  truths  that  God  has  exhibited  in 
his  word  with  a  friendly  heart.  Now,  to  suppose  that 
a  man  beheves  with  this  friendly  heart  antecedent  to 
regeneration,  is  to  suppose  that  a  man  is  a  friend  to 
God  while  in  a  state  of  unregeneracy,  which  is  contra- 
ry to  Scripture.  Now,  if  to  believe  with  a  friendly  and 
right-disposed  heart  is  absolutely  necessary  in  order  to 
constitute  a  true  faith,  and  such  a  heart  is  peculiar  to 
the  regenerate  only,  then  we  must  be  possessed  with 
this  heart  (which  is  given  in  regeneration)  before  there 
can  flow  from  it  any  such  exercises.  So  that  the  man 
must  become  a  good  man,  or  be  regenerated,  before  he 
can  exercise  faith,  or  love,  or  any  grace  whatever. 
Hence  we  read  of  men's  receiving  Christ,  and  then  be- 
coming the  sons  of  God. — John  i.,  12.  Therefore,  what 
lies  before  us  is  to  show  what  those  fruits  and  effects 
are,  and  what  are  those  inward  feelings  that  come  in 
consequence  of  the  new  birth.  And, 

1.  He  loves  God  supremely.  He  loves  holiness  for 
what  it  is  in  itself,  because  it  agrees  with  his  new  tem- 
per. He  chooses  and  prefers  that  to  any  thing  else. 
He  loves  the  law  of  God.  He  loves  the  gospel,  and 
every  thing  that  is  Godlike.  He  loves  the  holy  angels 
and  the  spirits  of  just  men  made  perfect.  His  affec- 
tions are  set  on  things  that  are  above.  His  treasure  is 
there,  and  his  heart  will  be  there  also.  He  loves  the 
people  of  God  in  this  world  ;  nay,  wherever  moral  rec- 
titude is  to  be  seen,  he  falls  in  love  with  it.  He  loves 
all  mankind  with  a  holy  and  virtuous  love.  Although 
he  cannot  love  those  that  are  the  enemies  of  God  with 
a  love  of  complacency,  yet  he  loves  them  with  the  love 
of  benevolence.  He  is  of  a  noble  and  generous  spirit. 
He  is  a  well-wisher  to  all  mankind.  And  this  supreme 
love  to  God  and  benevolence  to  man  is  spoken  of  in 
Scripture  as  the  very  essence  of  true  religion. 

2.  He  repents  of  all  his  sins.  He  feels  guilty  before 
God.  He  sees  and  owns  that  God  is  right  and  he  is 
wrong.  He  sees  and  gives  in  that  it  would  be  just  with 
God  to  consign  him  over  to  the  regions  of  despair. 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


55 


Now  the  man  which  could  take  no  dehght  in  any  thing 
else  but  sin,  hates  it  beyond  any  thing  whatever.  Now 
he  can  acknowledge  his  sin  with  holy  David — "  Against 
thee,  and  thee  only,  have  I  sinned.'' — "  Hide  thy  face 
from  my  sins,  and  blot  out  all  mine  iniquities.''  He  sees 
that  the  sacrifice  of  God  is  a  broken  and  a  contrite 
spirit.  Like  the  publican,  afraid  to  look  up,  he  smites 
upon  his  breast,  saying,  "  God  be  merciful  to  me,  a 
sinner." 

3.  He  believes  on  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  I  just 
observed  what  it  was  to  believe.  It  is  beheving  the 
record  that  God  has  given  of  his  Son  with  a  friendly 
heart.  He  gives  in  to  the  truths  of  the  gospel  with  his 
he£irt,  and  he  knows  the  truth  by  his  own  happy  expe- 
rience. 

4.  He  is  disposed  to  walk  in  all  the  ordinances  of 
God  blameless. 

He  evidences  by  his  holy  walk  that  he  has  a  regard 
for  the  honour  of  God.  He  endeavours  to  imitate  his 
Divine  master  in  all  his  imitable  perfections.  Knowing 
that  he  saith  "  he  that  abideth  in  him,  ought  himself  so 
to  walk,  even  as  he  has  walked."  Oh,  happv  change 
indeed !  The  man  is  made  like  G  od  in  some  good 
measure.  He  has  the  same  kind  of  affections  and  dis- 
positions as  there  are  in  God.  He  has  a  living  princi- 
ple within  him,  which  is  active  and  vigorous,  springing 
up  into  everlasting  life. 

But  we  pass  on  to  take  notice  of  the  third  thing  in 
the  method,  which  was, 

HI.  To  show  what  we  are  to  understand  by  see- 
ing the  kingdom  of  God. 

Now  we  are  not  to  suppose  that  it  is  an  intuitive 
view  that  we  have  of  the  kins^dom  of  God,  as  we  be- 
hold objects  with  our  eyes ;  but  we  are  to  imderstand 
enjoying,  or  being  admitted  to  possession  of,  the  bles- 
sings and  entertainments  of  the  heavenly  world,  or  be- 
ing brought  into  the  Divine  favour.  He  cannot  be  a 
partaker  of  that  unspeakable  happiness  that  is  in  God ; 
he  caimot  enjoy  that  blessed  intercourse  and  holy  com- 
munion that  comes  to  the  believer  in  consequence  of 


56 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


his  being  united  to  Christ  in  this  world,  or  be  admitted 
to  those  more  subhme  entertainments  that  are  above 
Something  hke  this  we  are  to  understand  by  seeing  the 
kingdom  of.  God.  But  it  will  not  be  amiss  to  inquire 
a  little  what  is  meant  by  the  kingdom  of  God.  And  we 
may  understand, 

1.  The  spiritual  kingdom  of  Christ  here  in  this 
world.  I  mean  that  gracious  temper  of  mind,  or  those 
holy  dispositions  that  are  implanted  in  the  heart  by  re- 
generation, and  also  when  a  number  of  such  do  unite 
together  in  an  ecclesiastical  body.  This  is  called 
Christ's  kingdom,  because  they  not  only  have  Christ's 
kingdom  in  their  hearts,  but  also,  being  visibly  united 
together  to  promote  the  cause  of  Christ,  they  may,  by 
way  of  eminence,  be  so  styled.  And, 

2.  We  may  understand  the  kingdom  of  glory,  or  this 
principle  of  divine  life  consummated  in  the  heavenly 
world,  so  that  this  kingdom  that  believers  have  set  up 
in  them  in  this  world,  is  the  same  in  kind  as  it  is  in 
heaven.  But  when  we  shall  come  to  put  off  this  taber- 
nacle, and  be  imbodied  spirits  in  the  upper  world,  our 
love  will  be  increased,  and  we  shall  drink  full  draughts 
out  of  that  crystal  stream  that  glides  gently  through  the 
paradise  of  God. 

Oh !  did  believers  once .  know  adequately  what  is 
prepared  for  them  in  the  heavenly  world,  how  would 
they  despise  all  things  here  below,  and  long  to  be  on 
the  wing  for  heaven  !  Well  may  it  be  called  a  king- 
dom, where  are  crowns  not  of  gold,  but  of  glory ; — 
where  the  King  of  kings  sits  amid  the  heavenly 
throng,  and  feeds  them  with  his  celestial  dainties. 
And  when  the  body  is  reunited  to  the  soul  at  the 
resurrection,  there  will  no  doubt  be  much  higher  de- 
grees of  glory.  Oh  !  then,  let  us  live  as  becomcth  those 
that  are  so  highly  favoured  of  the  Lord. 

APPLICATION. 

1.  Hence  see  the  propriety  of  our  blessed  Lord's 
assertion  in  the  text,  that,  except  a  man  be  born  again, 
he  cannot  see  the  kingdom  of  God,  or  enjoy  the  favour 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAFNES. 


57 


and  love  of  God,  either  in  this  world  or  that  to  come. 
If  men  are  totally  depraved,  as  has  been  considered, 
from  thence  arises  the  absolute  necessity  of  the  new 
birth,  and  it  is  no  strange  or  unaccountable  thing  that 
men  must  be  born  again.  There  is  no  obtaining  the 
blessings  of  heaven  without  it.  Therefore,  says  our 
Lord,  "  Marvel  not  that  I  said  unto  thee,  Ye  must  be 
born  again." 

2.  Hence  learn  the  folly  of  all  those  that  rest  in  any 
thing  short  of  regeneration  or  the  new  birth.  For, 
however  far  we  may  go  in  the  things  of  religion,  yet,  if 
we  ai'e  destitute  of  this  divine  and  holy  principle,  we 
may  be  assured  of  it,  from  scripture  as  well  as  from 
the  nature  of  things,  that  we  cannot  see  the  kingdom 
of  God. 

3.  Let  us  examine  ourselves  whether  we  are  pos- 
sessed of  this  holy  temper  of  heart  or  not.  Have  we 
new  dispositions  ? — new  affections  ? — and  new  desires  ? 
Are  God  and  divine  things  the  centre  and  object  of  our 
supreme  love  ?  Have  we  repentance  towards  God  and 
faith  in  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  ?  Have  we  got  that 
universal  benevolence  which  is  the  pecuhar  character- 
istic of  a  good  man  ?  Do  we  love  the  law  of  God  ? 
Have  we  viewed  it  in  its  purity  and  spirituality  ?  Are 
we  heartily  disposed  to  walk  in  the  ways  of  holiness  ? 
Do  we  freely  and  voluntarily  choose  that  way  ?  Are 
we  well  pleased  with  the  gospel  way  of  salvation  ? 

Lastly.  Let  all  those  that  are  strangers  to  the  new 
birth  be  exhorted  no  longer  to  live  estranged  from  God, 
but  labour  after  this  holy  temper  of  mind.  Flee  to 
Christ  before  it  be  too  late.  Consider  that  there  is  an 
aggravated  condemnation  that  awaits  all  impenitent  sin- 
ners. There  is  a  day  of  death  coming.  There  is  a 
day  of  judgment  coming.  A  few  turns  more  upon  the 
stage  and  we  are  gone.  Oh  how  will  you  answer  it  at 
the  bar  of  God,  for  your  thus  remaining  enemies  to 
him?  It  is  sin  that  separates  from  God.  But  it  is  the 
being  or  remaining  such  that  will  eternally  separate 
you  from  him.  Never  rest  easy  till  you  feel  in  you  a 
change,  wrought  by  the  Holy  Spirit.    And  believe  it, — 


58 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


until  then  you  are  exposed  to  the  wrath  of  God  ;  and 
without  repentance  you  will  in  a  few  days  be  lifting 
up  your  eyes  in  torment. 

The  Lord  grant  that  we  may  lay  these  things  suita- 
bly to  heart ; — that  wc,  having  the  kingdom  of  Christ 
set  up  in  our  hearts  here,  may  grow  up  to  the  stature 
of  perfect  men  in  Christ  Jesus.  This  will  lay  a  foun- 
dation for  union  with  all  holy  beings,  and  with  this 
everlasting  happiness  in  the  kingdom  of  glory  is  in- 
separably connected,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

The  manuscript  from  which  the  above  is  a  transcript, 
nearly  verbatim,  was  found  among  the  papers  of  Rev. 
Ebenezer  Bradford,  of  Rowley,  Massachusetts,  with  the 
following  note  on  a  blank  leaf. 

"  This  sermon  was  composed  by  Lemuel  Ha3'nes,  a 
young  fellow  who  was  brought  up  a  farmer,  not  favoured 
with  so  much  as  a  good  common  education. 

"  E.  Bradford." 

The  papers  with  which  this  was  found  bear  the  date 
of  1776,  audit  is  unquestionably  one  of  Mr.  Haynes's 
early  productions ;  and  from  a  careful  comparison  of  this 
with  his  other  manuscript  sermons,  there  is  nearly  con- 
clusive evidence  that  this  is  the  very  discourse  read  on 
the  occasion  as  stated  above.  The  manuscript  was 
kindly  furnished  by  Rev.  James  Bradford,  Sheffield, 
Massachusetts. 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


59 


CHAPTER  III. 

PREPARATORY   STUDIES,  ETC. 

The  incident  respecting  the  Saturday  night  sermon, 
as  stated  in  the  preceding  chapter,  brought  young 
Haynes  very  favourably  into  pubhc  notice.  'He  had 
always  been  regarded  as  a  youth  of  uncommon  ami- 
ableness  and  ingenuity.  From  childhood  he  had  been 
marked  for  his  unspotted  purity  of  character.  When 
he  entered  a  house  upon  an  errand  for  his  master, 
there  was  such  retiring  humility  in  his  whole  deport- 
ment as  prepossessed  all  in  his  favour. 

Now  he  began  to  be  regarded  in  the  neighbour- 
hood as  one  raised  up  of  God  for  more  than  com- 
mon usefulness.  It  became  known  that  he  possessed 
uncommon  gifts  in  prayer  and  exhortation;  and,  the 
parish  being  destitute  of  a  muiister,  he  was  frequently 
called  upon  to  read  approved  sermons,  and  to  lead  in 
the  devotional  exercises  of  the  house  of  God.  A  re- 
port has  gone  abroad  that,  by  invitation,  he  took  the 
deacon's  seat,  and  delivered  his  own  original  sermons 
on  the  Lord's  day.  Of  this  I  can  find  no  evidence 
except  that  of  tradition. 

It  was  now  discovered  by  a  discerning  Christian 
community,  that  in  this  young  man  were  the  germes  of 
usefulness.  He  was  encouraged  to  look  forward  to 
the  Christian  ministry.  On  this  subject  a  letter  of  his 
own  furnishes  the  following  remarks  : — "  I  was  solicit- 
ed by  some  to  obtain  a  collegiate  education,  with  a 


60 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


view  to  the  gospel  ministry.  A  door  was  opened  for 
it  at  Dartmouth  College,  but  I  shrunk  at  the  thought. 
Reverend  Mr.  Smith  encouraged  me,  with  many  others. 
I  was  at  last  persuaded  to  attend  to  studying  the 
learned  languages.  I  was  invited  (1779)  by  the  Rev- 
erend Daniel  Farrand,  of  Canaan,  Connecticut,  to  visit 
him.  I  accordingly  did  ;  with  whom  I  resided  some 
time,  studying  the  Latin  language.  He  was  a  most 
pious  and  friendly  man." 

Mr.  Farrand  was  a  most  extraordinary  man,  whose 
excellences  and  eccentricities  were  happily  balanced. 
In  him  were  blended  the  deepest  piety  and  the  most 
amusing  wit.  His  memory  was  so  tenacious,  that, 
when  he  was  abroad  on  the  Sabbath,  if  he  happened 
not  to  take  the  sermons  with  him  which  he  chose  to 
deliver,  he  could,  by  recollection,  preach  them  with 
facility,  without  his  notes.  His  great  originality  of 
thought  and  quickness  in  repartee  were  much  celebra- 
ted among  his  contemporaries.  He  was  a  poor  man, 
and  seemed  even  to  conterhn  worldly  wealth.  Not 
far  from  him  resided  a  gentleman  of  a  directly  oppo- 
site character  in  this  respect.  While  he  possessed 
extensive  arable  lands  and  well-watered  meadows,  he 
was  penurious  to  a  proverb.  One  day  he  invited  Mr. 
Farrand  to  a  walk  into  his  meadow,  which  stretched 
far  in  front  of  his  dwelling.  As  he  was  pointing  to 
the  fertilizing  creek  that  passed  through  it,  and  was 
boasting  of  the  richness  of  the  soil,  Mr.  Farrand 
rebuked  his  covctousness  and  pride  with  the  following 
lines : — 

"  Though  a  broad  stream,  with  golden  sands, 
Through  all  his  meadows  roll, 
Yet  he's  a  wretch,  with  all  his  lands, 
Who  wears  a  narrow  soul !" 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


61 


Such  was  the  struclure  of  Mr.  Haynes's  mind,  thai 
he  readily  cauglit  tlie  spirit  and  habits  of  his  early  in- 
structer.  Like  him,  lie  was  imbued  with  a  spirit  of 
deep  piety ;  and,  like  him,  he  had  a  disposition  for 
amusing  remark  and  keen  retort,  which  rendered  him 
at  once  the  delight  of  his  friends  and  the  terror  of  his 
opponents.  He  was  obliged,  while  with  Mr.  Farrand, 
to  labour  in  the  field,  and  thus  to  defray  the  expense 
of  board  and  tuition.  One  day,  being  with  his  instruct- 
or, managing  the  planting  of  his  garden,  he  gave  him 
some  seeds  of  rare  quality,  saying  to  him,  "Plant 
them  in  the  richest  spot  you  can  find."  Haynes  re- 
plied, "  I  shall  plant  them  in  the  kitchen,  then." 

He  used  often,  in  after  life,  to  relate  an  incident 
which  he  had  from  the  lips  of  his  venerable  instructer. 
Mr.  Farrand,  as  he  was  riding  in  company  with  a 
young  clergyman  not  distinguished  for  his  humility, 
beheld,  at  a  little  distance  from  the  highway,  two  or 
three  Indians  at  their  work ;  and  turning,  rode  up  and 
gave  an  affectionate  salutation.  After  overtaking  his 
fellow-traveller,  he  received  a  sharp  rebuke  for  his 
attention  to  the  Indians.  Mr.  Farrand  replied,  in  his 
usual  laconic  style,  "  They  always  treat  me  with  good 
manners  when  I  meet  them,  and  I  should  be  ashamed 
to  have  it  said  that  the  minister  of  the  parish  hasn't  as 
good  manners  as  an  Indian." 

How  long  he  enjoyed  the  instruction  of  Mr.  Farrand 
is  not  ascertained.  He  studied  principally  the  Latin 
language,  devoting  a  part  of  his  time  to  belles  lettres 
and  the  writing  of  sermons.  H«  composed  a  poem 
while  here,  which  was  surreptitiously  taken  from  his 
desk  ;  and  he  afterward  heard  of  its  being  delivered  at 
a  certain  college  on  the  day  of  commencement. 
F 


62 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


He  retained  to  the  end  of  life  a  grateful  remem- 
brance of  his  friend  and  patron.  The  unfeigned  and 
vivid  piety,  together  Avith  the  propensity  for  satirical 
and  humorous  remark,  so  conspicuous  in  the  instructer, 
seem  to  have  been  transfused  into  the  very  soul  of  the 
pupil. 

Mr.  Haynes  often  related  the  following  instance  of 
the  faithfulness  and  ingenuity  of  his  teacher.  With 
much  labour  he  had  prepared  a  theme,  in  a  style  of 
great  elegance,  as  he  supposed.  He  had  introduced 
many  such  terms  as  blue  eocpanse — azure  sky — and 
other  richly  embellished  expressions.  Mr.  Farrand 
heard  him  through  very  patiently,  and  then  remarked, 
in  the  language  of  irony,  "  Mr.  Haynes,  you  have  been 
talking,  it  seems  by  your  style,  to  the  inhabitants  o-f 
the  upper  world ;  what  if  you  should  come  down  to 
folks  on  the  earth,  so  that  we  can  understand  you?" 
He  felt  mortified,  but  was  thankful  for  the  kind  rebuke. 
It  did  him  good. 

Having  mastered  the  Latin  language,  he  felt  a 
quenchless  ardour  to  obtain  a  knowledge  of  the  Greek 
also,  tliat  he  might  read  the  New  Testament  in  the 
original.  He  had  neither  wealth  nor  friends  to  aid 
him.  And  while  in  perplexing  doubt  by  what  means 
he  could  effect  so  desirable  an  object,  God,  in  his 
providence,  raised  him  up  a  patron.  The  Reverend 
William  Bradford  was  at  this  lime  preaching  at  Win- 
tonbury,  a  small  parish,  composed,  as  its  name  im- 
ports, of  a  part  of  three  towns,  T4^mdsor,  Farmingfon, 
and  Symsbury.  Of  him  Mr.  Haynes  says,  "  He  pro- 
cured a  school  for  me  in  Wintonbury,  and  generously 
offered  to  instruct  me  in  the  Greek  language ;  and  the 
expense  of  my  board  would  be  discharged  by  my 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


63 


school.  I  exerted  myself  to  the  utmost  to  instruct  the 
children  of  my  school,  and  foimd  I  gave  general  satis- 
faction. The  proficiency  I  made  in  studying  the 
Greek  language  I  found  greatly  exceeded  the  expecta- 
tions of  my  preceptor." 

By  intense  study  by  night,  while  the  school  engaged 
his  attention  through  the  day,  he  in  a  few  months  be- 
came a  thorough  Greek  scholar.  As  a  critic  on  the 
Septuagint  and  Greek  Testament,  he  possessed  great 
skill.  He  had  now  laid  up  a  valuable  store  of  various 
learning,  especially  in  theology,  and  by  advice  of  many 
friends,  both  ministers  and  laymen,  he  made  application 
for  license  to  preach  the  gospel. 

Nov.  29th,  1780,  several  ministers  of  high  respecta- 
bility "  having  examined  him  in  the  languages  and 
sciences,  and  with  respect  to  his  knowledge  of  the  doc- 
trines of  the  gospel,  and  practical  and  experimental  reh- 
gion,  recommended  him  as  qualified  to  preach  the  gos- 
pel." 

His  credentials  have  the  signatures  of  Rev.  Daniel 
Farrand,  Canaan,  Rev.  Jonathan  Huntington,  Worth- 
ington,  and  Rev.  Joseph  Huntington,  D.  D.,  Coventry. 

His  first  sermon  was  preached  at  Wintonbury,  of 
which  a  brief  analysis  is  here  given. 

Psalm  xcvi.,  1 .  "  The  Lord  reigneth,  let  the  earth 
rejoice." 

DOCTRINE. 

The  absolute  government  of  God  affords  just  matter 
of  rejoicing.  Because 

1 .  He  has  a  perfect  knowledge  of  all  those  events 
which  ever  took  place  in  the  whole  universe.  Prov. 
XV.,  .3. 

2.  All  things  are  entirely  dependant  on  God  for  their 
existence. 


64 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


3.  He  is  infinitely  wise. 

This  is  another  essential  thing  in  an  absolute  govern- 
or, that  he  should  know  the  exact  number  of  events 
necessary  to  take  place ; — when  and  how  they  shall 
take  place ; — how  powerful  and  how  long  they  must 
continue  to  operate ;  for,  if  tins  is  not  perfectly  under- 
stood, it  will  cause  the  greatest  disorder  in  the  system. 
This  wisdom  belongs  to  God,  and  to  him  only.  Psal. 
civ.,  24. 

4.  He  is  all-powerful,  hence  he  is  called  "  the  Lord 
Omnipotent."    Rev.  xix.,  6. 

5.  He  is  perfectly  holy.    Psal.  cxlv.,  17. 

OBJECTIONS. 

1.  Does  it  not  look  like  tyranny  for  Jehovah  to  set 
up  as  absolute  governor  of  the  universe  ? 

2.  This  doctrine  destroys  that  freedom  of  the  crea- 
ture, which  is  necessary  in  order  to  render  his  actions 
virtuous  or  vicious. 

3.  If  God  is  the  disposer  of  all  events,  and  it  is  mat- 
ter of  joy  that  he  reigns,  then  we  ought  to  rejoice  in  all 
that  wickedness  and  disorder  which  have  taken  place 
in  the  intellectual  system. 

4.  The  absolute  supremacy  of  Jehovah  is  a  licentious 
doctrine.  If  all  things  are  dependant  on  God,  then  the 
salvation  of  the  sinner  is ;  therefore  I  will  sit  down  in 
indolence  ;  if  he  should  please  to  save  me  in  my  stupid 
stale,  well, — if  not,  I  must  be  lost. 

ANSWER. 

Two  things  seem  to  be  taken  for  granted  in  such 
an  objection  that  are  not  true. 

1.  That  the  sinner  has  some' true  desire  to  be  recon- 
ciled, and  that  his  wickedness  does  not  consist  in  the 
voluntary  exercises  of  his  heart.  But  the  truth  of  the 
case  is,  his  heart  is  wholly  at  enmity  to  God,  without 
the  least  true  desire  to  be  reconciled  to  him,  and  in  this 
all  his  inability  and  all  his  sin  does  radically  consist. 

2.  It  seems  to  suppose  that  the  sinner  may  possibly 
obtain  salvation  while  in  a  state  of  indolence,  which  is 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


65 


contrary  to  the  very  nature  of  those  things  that  are  re- 
quired in  the  gospel,  and  which  are  connected  with  sal- 
vation, viz.,  repentance  towards  God,  and  faith  in  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ.  These  are  opposed  to  sloth  and 
CEirelessness.  They  imply  activity.  Exertion  is  the 
very  essence  of  that  salvation  which  delivers  from 
everlasting  destruction.  So  that,  to  say  that  we  may 
possibly  obtain  salvation  while  in  a  state  of  indolence, 
is  to  say  we  may  have  a  thing,  and  at  the  same  time 
not  have  it.  Continuing  in  a  state  of  stupidity  is  in- 
separably connected  with  everlasting  burnings. 

Farther,  the  consequence  which  the  objector  draws 
from  the  doctrine  is  not  a  natural  one.  Is  it  not  a  fear- 
ful thing  to  be  in  the  hands  of  God?  Yes,  verily. 
But  to  whom  ?  Not  to  the  friends,  but  to  the  enemies 
of  God ;  for  to  them  he  is  a  consuming  fire.  Their 
case  is  truly  dangerous ;  and  has  the  consideration  of 
danger  a  tendency  to  make  men  careless  and  secure  ? 
Nay,  it  is  always  in  view  of  danger  that  persons  are 
exercised  with  concern  and  anguish.  Did  sinners  real- 
ize these  things,  they  could  not  live  so  careless  as  they 
do.  Therefore,  one  reason  why  sinners  are  so  stupified 
is,  that  they  do  not  believe  divine  sovereignty.  Hence 
we  see  that  no  such  consequence  follows  from  this  doc- 
trine. It  is  true  men  make  this  improvement  of  it. 
And  what  is  the  reason  that  they  draw  such  frightful 
consequences  ?  Alas  !  the  reason  is  too  obvious.  It 
is  because  the  carnal  mind  is  enmity  towards  God. 

It  has  been  remarked  of  Cicero  and  Demosthenes, 
the  great  orators  of  Greece  and  Rome,  that  they  first 
distinguished  themselves  in  public  at  the  age  of  twenty- 
seven  years  :  as  if  this  were  the  age  in  which  great 
geniuses  regularly  bloomed  for  maturity.  Without 
comparing  the  humble  subject  of  this  sketch  with  the 
great  orators  of  antiquity,  it  is  natural  to  remark,  that 
he  commenced  his  pubhc  ministry  at  the  age  of  twenty- 
seven.  A  Congregational  church  having  been  recently 
F  2 


66 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


organized  in  Middle  Granville,  and  a  new  liouse  of 
worship  ei'ected,  he  was  cordially  and  unanimously 
invited  to  supply  the  pulpit.  It  deserves  to  be  recorded 
as  one  of  the  wonders  of  the  age,  that  a  person  should 
be  invited  to  become  a  spiritual  teacher  in  a  respecta- 
ble and  enlightened  congTegation  in  New-England, 
where  he  had  been  known  from  infancy  only  as  a  ser- 
vant-boy, and  under  all  the  disabilities  of  his  humble 
extraction.  A  prophet  is  not  without  honour  save  in 
his  own  country  and  in  his  own  house.  That  rever- 
ence which  it  was  the  Custom  of  the  age  to  accord  to 
ministers  of  the  gospel,  was  cheerfully  rendered  to  Mr. 
Haynes.  All  classes  and  ages  were  carried  aAvay  with 
the  sweet,  animated  eloquence  of  the  preacher. 

'■  Even  children  followed,  with  endearing  smile, 
And  plucked  his  gown,  to  share  the  good  man's  smile." 

You  might  see  children  by  the  wayside,  or  near  the 
village  school-house,  arranging  themselves  in  due  order 
to  welcome  him  as  he  passed,  and  vying  with  each 
other  in  their  tokens  of  reverence.  It  was  remarkable 
how  singularly  he  attached  to  himself  the  rising  gener- 
ation. He  seldom  met  a  child  without  asking  some 
amusing,  instructive  question,  or  making  a  striking  re- 
mark, and  all  was  done  in  a  manner  to  make  an  impres- 
sion which  time  could  never  elface. 

The  writer  of  this  narrative,  though  a  resident  in  a 
different  parish  in  the  town,  and  having  opportunity  to 
hear  him  in  comparatively  but  few  instances,  owes  more 
under  God  to  Lemuel  Haynes  than  to  any  other  minis- 
ter among  the  living  or  the  dead.  His  sermons  are 
the  earliest  which  I  now  remember  to  have  heard,  and, 
though  preached  more  than  half  a  century  ago,  are  at 
this  time  recollected  with  a  distinctness  entirely  inappli- 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


67 


cable  to  those  of  any  oilier  preacher.  They  uniformly 
left  the  impression  of  the  majesty  of  God; — the  im- 
portance of  immediate  repentance ; — the  aiiful  solem- 
nity of  the  judgment  day; — tlie  attractive  loveliness 
of  Christ ; — and  the  pleasantness  of  wisdom's  ways. 

He  laboured  in  Granville  five  years,  preaching  pub- 
licly and  from  house  to  house.  And  I  may  add,  in  the 
language  of  the  apostle  to  the  elders  of  the  church  at 
Ephesus,  he  "  ceased  not  to  warn  every  one,  day  and 
night,  with  tears."  "His  delivery  was  rapid — his  voice 
charming,  like  the  vox  argentea*  of  which  Cicero 
makes  such  frequent  and  honourable  mention ; — his  ar- 
ticulation uncommonly  distinct — a  perennial  stream  of 
transparent,  sweet,  animated  elocution — presenting  his 
arguments  with  great  simplicity  and  striking  effect.,. 
The  perfect  ease  with  which  words  and  thoughts  flow- 
ed was  like  the  river,  on  the  banks  of  which,  as  the 
poet  beautifully  relates,  the  traveller  sat  himself  down 
till  it  should  run  by. 

♦    *    *  "atille 
Labitur,  et  labetur  omne  volubilis  svum." — Hor. 

It  was  a  season  of  great  moral  darkness  through 
New-England  when  Mr.  Haynes  commenced  his  min- 
istry. The  Stoddardian  principle  of  admitting  moral 
persons,  without  credible  evidence  of  grace,  to  the 
Lord's  Supper,  and  the  half-way  covenant  by  which 
parents,  though  not  admitted  to  the  Lord's  Supper,  were 
encoiuraged  to  offer  their  children  in  baptism,  prevaiied 
in  many  of  the  churches.  Great  apathy  was  prevalent 
among  professing  Christians,  and  the  ruinous  vices  of 
profaneness,  Sabbath-breaking,  and  intemperance  were 
affectingly  prevalent  among  all  classes.    The  spark  of 

*  Silver  voice. 


68 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


evangelical  piety  seemed  to  be  nearly  extinct  in  the 
churches.  Revivals  of  religion  were  scarcely  known 
except  in  the  recollections  of  a  former  age.  Some  of 
the  essential  doctrines  of  grace  were  not  received  even 
by  many  in  the  churches.  Such  was  the  character  of 
the  age.  Such,  too,  was  the  place  in  which  Mr. 
Haynes  commenced  his  labours.  Against  the  errors 
and  vices  of  the  times  he  exerted  a  powerful  influence. 
There  was  such  directness  in  his  appeals,  and  such 
withering  pungency  in  his  replies  to  the  caviller,  that 
"  the  word  was  sharper  than  a  two-edged  sword."  No 
special  revival  is  recollected  under  his  ministrations  in 
this  place.  Not  a  few,  however,  were  savingly  bene- 
fited through  his  honoured  instrumentality. 

As  an  instance  of  his  success  in  silencing  the  soph- 
istry of  error,  it  is  related  that  a  member  in  the  church, 
of  great  candour  and  of  unblemished  morals,  was  an 
open,  calm  opposer  of  the  doctrine  of  personal  elec- 
tion. He  alleged  the  common  popular  objections 
against  the  doctrine,  and  at  the  same  time  he  seemed 
to  have  great  reverence  for  the  authority  of  the  Bible. 
Mr.  Haynes  had  fully  measured  the  man,  and  formed 
his  plan  for  winning  him  to  the  truth.  For  this  purpose 
he  carefully  shunned  personal  controversy.  Whenever 
a  plain  Scripture  proof  occurred,  he  called  on  Mr.  At- 
kins, and  proposed  the  text  with  appropriate  questions. 
For  instance,  Eph.  i.,  4 — "  According  as  he  hath  cho- 
sen us  in  him  before  the  foundation  of  the  world,  that 
we  should  be  holy  and  without  blame  before  him  in 
love." — "  What  is  the  meaning  of  this  text  ?  Were  the 
persons  here  said  to  be  chosen,  Christians  ?  When  was 
this  choice  made  ?  Was  it  grounded  on  foreseen  holi- 
ness, or  were  they  chosen  that  they  should  be  holy  ?" 


REV.  LEMUEL  HATNES. 


69 


The  interview  was  short,  and  no  opportunity  given  to 
awaken  a  spirit  of  controversy.  He  called  again  and 
again  willi  a  "  Thus  saith  the  Lord,"  till  at  length  he 
gained  his  point,  and  the  man  was  won  to  the  love  of 
evangelical  truth,  and  shone  l^right  for  years  as  a  mem- 
ber and  an  officer  in  the  church,  and  was  a  friend  and 
correspondent  of  Mr.  Haynes  to  the  day  of  his  death. 
And  from  the  papers  in  his  possession  at  tlie  time  of 
his  decease,  some  of  the  most  interesting  materials  for 
this  volume  were  collected. 

An  event  now  took  place  which  greatly  affected  his 
condition.  Among  the  pious  youth  in  Granville  was 
Elizabeth  Babbit,  who,  in  her  deep  religious  anxiet)'-, 
was  greatly  aided  in  her  search  after  salvation  by  the 
counsels  and  prayers  of  Mr.  Haynes.  She  possessed 
a  refined  education  for  that  day,  and  was  employed  as 
a  teacher  of  youth  in  the  centre  of  the  town.  After 
days  and  weeks  of  distressing  darkness,  she  was  led  to* 
embrace  a  cheering  hope  unto  salvation.  Now  she  was 
ready  to  inquire  what  she  should  render  to  the  Lord  for 
all  his  benefits.  She  could  not  but  inquire  what  she 
should  render  to  him  who  had  thus  been  the  lumible 
and  happy  instrument  of  such  an  unspeakable  blessing. 
Reverence  for  Mr.  Haynes  as  her  spiritual  father  seems 
to  have  laid  a  foundation  for  a  connexion  both  honour- 
able and  sacred  for  life.  Looking  to  Heaven  for  giii- 
dance,  she  was  led,  with  a  consistent  and  justifiable 
delicacy,  to  make  him  the  overture  of  her  heart  and 
hand  as  his  companion  for  life.  By  such  a  proposal  he 
regarded  himself  as  highly  honoured.  He  commended 
the  subject  to  God  in  prayer,  imploring  the  guidance  of 
his  spirit.  He  consulted  a  number  of  ministers,  and 
it  is  understood  that  he  received  their  unanimous  advice 
and  sanction. 


70 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


September  22d,  1783,  his  marriage  with  Miss  Eliza- 
beth Babbit  was  solemnized  at  Hartland,  Connecticut, 
by  the  Rev.  Samuel  Woodbridge.* 


CHAPTER  IV. 

ORDINATION    OF   MR.    HAYNES,   AND   HIS    MINISTRY  AT 
TORRINGTON. 

In  this  place,  where  the  early  days  of  Mr.  Haynes 
were  spent,  the  question  has  been  often  proposed  to  his 
most  familiar  acquaintances,  "  Did  you  ever  hear  the 
slightest  fault  alleged  against  him  ?"  The  inquiry  has 
been  answered  by  various  individuals — some  his  early 
schoolmates,  others  the  connexions  of  the  family  which 
brought  him  up.  The  uniform  answer  has  been  "  No." 
Not  a  fault  on  which  the  eye  of  recollection  could  rest 
as  a  visible  stain  upon  his  fair  and  lovely  character. 
Such  is  the  testimony  of  all  who  knew  him  during  his 
residence  in  Granville,  comprising  the  first  thirty-two 
years  of  his  life. 

After  preaching  in  that  place  for  the  term  of  five 
years  with  very  favourable  reception,  it  was  judged  ex- 

♦  Mrs.  Haynes  was  bom  at  Dighton,  Mass.,  February  28,  1763.  Died 
February  8,  1836.  She  possessed  an  amiable  character  as  a  wife,  a  moth- 
er, and  a  Christian.  Nine  children  survive.  One,  a  daughter,  has  deceas- 
ed. All  the  children  are  hopefully  pious  except  one,  and  all  but  two  have 
made  a  public  profession  of  religion.  The  eldest  daughter,  Mrs.  C,  is  set- 
tled in  Rutland,  and  is  a  member  of  the  English  church.  There  are  three 
sons.  One  is  a  farmer ;  Samuel  is  settled  as  a  physician  in  the  State  of 
New-York  ;  William  has  been  engaged  in  a  law  office  in  Massachusetts. 
Three  of  the  children  are  married,  it  is  said  respectably. 


RET.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


71 


pedient  that  he  sliould  receive  ordination  as  an  evange- 
hst.  Accordingly  the  church,  by  unanimous  vote,  ap- 
phed  in  the  followiiig  manner  to  the  Association  of 
Ministers  in  Litchfield  county,  Connecticut,  to  ordain 
him. 

"  We,  the  second  church  of  Christ  in  Granville,  hav- 
ing been  acquainted  with  Mr.  Lemuel  Haynes  from  a 
child,  would  recommend  him  as  a  man  of  sober  life  and 
conversation,  and  in  good  standmg  in  the  church.  And 
having  employed  him  for  several  years  past  as  a  preach- 
er among  us  to  general  satisfaction,  we  think  he  is,  in 
some  good  measure,  qualified  to  preach  the  gospel.  It 
is  our  earnest  and  unanimous  request  that  this  reverend 
association  would  set  him  apart  to  the  work  of  the  min- 
istry, by  the  imposition  of  hands,  or  by  ordination  at 
large,  if  they  should  think  proper  ;  as  we  think  it  would 
render  him  more  serviceable  to  the  church,  and  to  the 
cause  of  the  adorable  Redeemer  in  the  world. 
"  Per  order  of  the  church. 

"Ti.MOTHY  Robinson,  >  Church 
"  Aaron  Coe,  S  Committee. 

"  Granville,  Oct.  12th,  1785." 

The  ordination  of  Mr.  Haynes  was  solemnized  No- 
vember 9th,  1785.  On  this  occasion  his  venerable 
instructer,  the  Reverend  Daniel  Farrand,  preached  a 
discourse  from  1  Chron.  xvii.,  16,  "Who  am  I,  O 
Lord  God,  or  what  is  my  house,  that  thou  hast  brought 
me  hitherto  ?"  Reverend  Mr.  Knapp,  of  Winsted, 
offered  the  introductory  prayer,  and  gave  the  right 
hand  of  fellowship :  Reverend  Mr.  Thompson  gave 
the  charge ;  Reverend  Mr.  Hallock,  of  Canton,  offered 
the  concluding  prayer. 

Hitherto  we  have  seen  him  move  in  a  small  retired 
parish,  among  the  companions  of  his  childliood  an  ' 


72 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


youth.  Now  he  is  sent  forth  an  accredited  minister 
of  Christ.  A  door  was  soon  opened  for  his  usefuhiess 
in  Torrington,  Connecticut ;  where  he  continued  about 
two  years,  preaching  the  gospel  and  administering  the 
sacramental  seals.  Possessing  peculiar  talents  to 
rouse  attention  to  public  worship,  the  assembly  in- 
creased from  Sabbath  to  Sabbath,  till  the  house  was 
filled.  The  congregation  continued  large  during  the 
whole  term  of  his  residence  in  that  place.  Several  of 
the  most  respectable  families  from  adjoining  towns, 
particularly  from  Goshen,  were  his  warmest  friends, 
and  constantly  attended  on  his  ministry.  What  num- 
ber became  the  subjects  of  renewing  grace,  cannot  at 
this  remote  period  be  even  conjectured.  The  last 
great  day  will  make  the  disclosure.  The  aged  refer 
to  his  ministry  Avith  many  delightful  recollections. 
He  was  held  in  high  estimation,  especially  by  the 
church,  and  was  esteemed  by  all  classes  as  "  an  apt 
and  very  ready  man  in  the  pulpit."  The  mere  mention 
of  his  name  even  now,  after  the  lapse  of  half  a  cen- 
tury, seems  to  renew  in  their  minds  interesting  asso- 
ciations. The  church  and  society  were  strengthened 
by  his  labours,  and  many  wished  to  retain  him  as  their 
permanent  pastor.  The  sensibility  of  a  few  individ- 
uals prevented,  it  is  said,  the  accomplishment  of  their 
desires. 

In  reference  to  his  labours  here  a  president  of  one 
of  the  New-England  colleges  says : — "  I  had  heard 
much  of  Mr.  Haynes  from  my  earliest  remembrance, 
especially  from  my  mother,  who  was  a  great  admirer 
of  his  preaching."  How  many  other  pious  mothers 
enjoyed  his  stated  or  occasional  preaching  during  his 
short  residence  in  Litchfield  county,  and  how  much 


RET.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


73 


they  were  influenced  thereby  in  training  up  their  sons 
to  become  luminaries  in  the  church,  "we  know  not 
now,  but  we  shall  know  hereafter !" 

Respecting  his  ministry  here  there  is  a  striking 
fact,  which  I  will  relate  in  the  language  of  a  corre- 
spondent.* "  There  is  a  man  of  my  acquaintance  who 
feels  that  he  owes  much,  under  God,  to  the  preaching 
of  Mr.  Haynes  while  at  Torrington.  He  was  dis- 
affected that  the  church  should  employ  him,  and  neg- 
lected meeting  for  a  time.  At  length  curiosity  con- 
quered prejudice  so  far  that  he  went  to  the  house  of 
God.  He  took  his  seat  in  the  crowded  assembly,  and, 
from  designed  disrespect,  sat  tcith  his  hat  on.  Mr. 
Haynes  gave  out  his  text,  and  began  with  his  usual 
impassioned  earnestness,  as  if  vmconscious  of  any 
thing  amiss  in  the  congregation.  '  The  preacher  had 
not  proceeded  far  in  his  sermon,'  said  the  man,  '  be- 
fore I  thought  him  the  whitest  man  I  ever  saw.  My 
hat  was  instantly  taken  off  and  throwTi  under  the  seat, 
and  I  found  myself  listening  with  the  m.ost  profound 
attention.'  That  day  was  a  memorable  era  in  the  hfe 
of  this  scomer,  cind  the  sermon  was  memorable  for  its 
piercing  effects  upon  his  conscience.  Through  the 
influences  of  the  spirit  of  God,  he  was  roused  from  his 
stupidity — convinced  of  his  guilt  and  ruin — and  led  to 
look  to  Christ  Jesus  for  salvation.  He  became  a  man 
of  prayer  and  unexceptionable  piety ;  and  is  now,  if 
living,  an  elder  in  the  church  at  the  west." 

Brief  sketch  of  a  Tour  into  the  State  of  Vermont. 

"Torrington,  July  26,  1785.  Set  out  on  my  jour- 
ney to  the  Stale  of  Vermont,  accompanied  by  Mr.  L. 

*  ReT.  Milton  Huxley. 

G 


74 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


Loomis.  May  we  be  prospered,  and  have  the  Divine 
presence !  Visited  Mr.  S.  Banning,  of  Hartland,  a 
young  man  of  twenty-one,  who  appeared  to  be  upon 
the  borders  of  the  eternal  world. — Could  not  talk  with 
Jiim  much  about  dying,  his  reason  being  gone. — Com- 
mended him  to  the  Throne  of  Grace  in  prayer. — Heard, 
at  the  same  time,  of  the  sudden  death  of  Mr.  Wilder, 
an  old  acquaintance. — Went  to  visit  the  distressed 
family. — Discoursed  with  them  on  the  importance  of 
being  prepared  to  meet  sudden  death. — Lodged  at 
Granville. 

*'  July  28.  Set  out  for  Williamstovra. — Dined  with 
the  Reverend  Mr.  Collins,  Lanesborough. — Heard  him 
discourse  very  sensibly  on  divinity. 

"  July  29.  Kept  Sabbath  with  the  Rev.  Seth  Swift, 
Williamstown,  an  exceedingly  agreeable  gentleman 
and  faithful  minister. — Am  grieved  for  the  unhappy 
divisions  among  his  people,  chiefly  on  account  of  pub- 
lic affairs. — Preached  from  Niunb.  xxi.,  9 ;  '  And  Moses 
made  a  serpent  of  brass,  and  put  it  upon  a  pole  ;  and  it 
came  to  pass,  that  if  a  serpent  had  bitten  any  man,  when 
he  beheld  the  serpent  of  brass  he  lived.'  And  Tit.  ii., 
13;  'Looking  for  that  blessed  hope  and  the  glorious 
appearing  of  the  great  God,  and  our  Saviour  Jesus 
Christ.' — The  people  were  very  attentive. 

"  July  30.  Called  on  the  Rev.  Job  Swift,  of  Benning- 
ton.— Had  an  agreeable  interview. 

"  July  31.  Lodged  at  Esquire  Smith's,  in  Clarendon. 

"Aug.  1.  Came  to  Rutland. 

"  Aug.  2.  Preached  at  Deacon  Roberts's,  from  Matt, 
xiii.,  44 ;  *  Again,  the  kingdom  of  heaven  is  like  unto 
treasure  hid  in  a  field,  the  which,  when  a  man  hath 
found,  he  hideth,  and  for  joy  thereof  goeth  and  selleth 
all  that  he  hath  and  buyeth  that  field.' 

"  Aug.  3.  Preached  at  Mr.  Cornish's,  from  Tit.  ii.,  13. 
— Saw  something  of  the  power  of  God  among  the  peo- 
ple. 

"  Aug.  4.  Visited  a  sick  man — attempted  to  pray  with 
him. 

"  Aug.  5.  Sabbath.  Preached  at  Rutland,  from  2 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNE3. 


75 


Pet.  i.,  10;  'Wherefore  the  rather,  brethren,  give  dih- 
gence  to  make  your  caUing  and  election  sure  ;  for  if  ye 
do  these  things  ye  shall  never  fall.'  Numb,  xxiii.,  10. 
'  Who  can  count  the  dust  of  Jacob,  and  count  the  fourth 
part  of  Israel  ?  Let  me  die  the  death  of  the  righteous, 
and  let  my  last  end  be  hke  his !' — The  people  gave 
remarkable  attention. 

"Aug.  6.  Went  to  Pawlet. — Preached  for  Rev.  Mr. 

B  ,  from  Zech.  xii.,  10 ;  '  And  I  will  pour  upon 

the  house  of  David,  and  upon  the  inhabitants  of  Jeru- 
salem,' &c. — Met  with  Rev.  Mr.  Graves,  of  Rupert, 
and  Messrs.  Thomson  and  Tolman,  candidates. — Had 
much  conversation  with  them. — All  seem  to  be  zealous 
in  the  cause  of  the  Redeemer. — Heard  Mr.  Tolman 
preach  from  1  Cor.  vii.,  29 ;  '  The  time  is  short.' 

"  Aug.  7.  Heard  Mr.  Thomson  preach  to  a  sick 
woman,  from  Psal.  Iv.,  5,  6  ;  '  Fearfulness  and  trem- 
bling are  come  upon  me,  and  horror  hath  overwhelmed 
me.  And  I  said,  Oh  that  I  had  the  wings  of  a  dove  ! 
for  then  would  I  fly  away  and  be  at  rest.' — Rode  to 
Granville  after  sermon,  in  company  with  Mr.  Thom- 
son.— Visited  a  sick  woman — prayed  and  conversed 
with  her. 

"  Aug.  8.  Preached  at  Granville  for  Rev.  Mr.  Hish- 
cox. — Rode  to  Poultney. — Preached  from  Phil,  iii.,  13  ; 
'  Brethren,  I  count  not  myself  to  have  appreliended : 
but  this  one  thing  I  do,  forgetting  those  things  which 
are  behind,  and  reaching  forth  to  those  things  which  are 
before.' 

"Aug.  9,  Rode  to  Tinmouth, — preached,  at  4  o'clock, 
from  Col.  iii.,  4 ;  '  When  Christ  who  is  our  life  shall 
appear,  then  shall  ye  also  appear  with  him  in  glory.' — 
Visited  the  Rev.  Mr.  Osborne,  who,  on  account  of  di- 
vision, had  stopped  preaching. — Lodged  with  Judge 
Mattocks  of  that  place. — Had  a  most  agreeable  oppor- 
tunity with  him. 

"  Aug.  10.  Took  leave  of  Judge  Mattocks. — Rode  to 
Rutland — East  Parish, — preached  from  Gen.  xxviii., 
12;  'And  he  dreamed,  and  behold,  a  ladder  set  up  on 
the  earth,'  &c. — After  meeting  heard  that  Mr.  A  


76 


IIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


S          of  that  place  received  a  dangerous  wound  in 

his  head  by  a  stone  accidentally  cast.  Went  to  see 
him — prayed  with  him — he  appeared  to  be  danger- 
ously hurt. 

"August  11.  Saturday  evening.  Was  very  unwell. 
Some  apprehensions  of  leaving  the  world. 

"Aug.  12.  Sabbath.  Was  much  better  through  di- 
vine goodness. — Preached  at  West  Rutland,  from 
Num.  xxi.,  9 ;  and  Zech.  viii.,  22. — Sabbatli  evening, 
rode  to  Clarendon. — Preached  to  a  crowded  auditory, 
from  Matt,  xxviii.,  5  ;  '  And  the  angel  answered  and 
said  unto  the  woman,  Fear  not  ye,  for  I  know  that  ye 
seek  Jesus  that  was  crucified.' 

"Aug.  13.  Rode  to  Dorset. — Preached  at  one  o'clock, 
from  Heb.  xiii.,  9 ;  '  Be  not  carried  about  witli  divers 
and  strange  doctrines.'  Same  day, — rode  to  Manches- 
ter— preached  from  Job  xxxvi.,  18;  'Because  there 
is  Avrath,  beware  lest  he  take  thee  away  with  his 
stroke;  then  a  great  ransom  cannot  deliver  thee.' — 

Lodged  with  Mr,  C  ,  a  good  Baptist  minister. — Had 

an  agreeable  interview  with  Messrs.  B  and  G  . 

"Aug.  14.  Rode  to  Shaftsbury. — Preached  from  Gen. 
xxviii.,  12. 

"Aug.  15.  Visited  Mr.  B          in  the  morning. — 

Rode  to  Bennington — preached  at  4  o'clock,  from  J^att. 
X-Yviii.,  5. — Visited  old  Mrs.  Robinson — dined  with  her 
— a  pious  woman  ! — Went  to  Rev.  Mr.  Swift's  for 
lodgings. — Met  with  Rev.  Mr.  Swift,  of  Williamstov?n, 
and  Mr.  Marsh,  a  young  candidate." 

Thus  tlie  journal  closes  abruptly.  Why  it  was 
never  resumed  is  not  known.  Probably  Mr.  Haynes 
deliberately  weighed  the  subject,  and  for  reasons  satis- 
factory to  his  own  mind,  decided  to  keep  no  journal  or 
diary  of  his  own  feelings  and  actions.  His  extreme 
delicacy  in  speaking  of  himself,  together  with  the  un- 
ceasing round  of  labours  which  pressed  upon  him, 
might  have  been  tlie  reasons  for  such  a  decision.  But 


REV.  LEMUEL  HATNES. 


77 


from  the  sketch  here  given  of  his  labours  and  cares  for 
the  kingdom  of  Christ  during  a  few  weeks,  it  is  easy 
to  form  just  conceptions  of  his  whole  life.  Wherever 
you  see  him,  whether  at  home  or  on  a  journey,  whether 
among  friends  or  strangers,  he  was  "  always  abounding 
in  the  work  of  the  Lord." 


CHAPTER  V. 

MINISTRY  AT  RUTLAND,  VERMONT. 

At  this  time  the  State  of  Vermont  was  a  very  im- 
portant field  for  ministerial  usefulness.  There  was 
much  to  be  done.  Every  thing  was  in  a  state  of  na- 
ture ;  the  genial  influence  of  science  and  religion  being 
scarcely  felt.  The  foundation  of  literary  institutions 
and  religious  societies  was  now  to  be  laid.  There  was 
no  college  in  the  state,  and  the  only  academy  was  the 
one  at  Norwich,  near  Dartmouth  College.  There  were 
not  more  than  four  or  five  Congregational  ministers  on 
the  west  side  of  the  Green  Mountains.  A  religious  re- 
vival of  considerable  extent,  under  the  preaching  of 
Rev.  Jacob  Wood  and  others,  had  resulted  in  the  for- 
mation of  a  few  small  churches.  But  they  were,  in  a 
peculiar  sense,  as  sheep  among  wolves,  with  none  to 
lead  or  to  feed  them. 

The  inhabitants  of  this  state  had  participated,  not 
only  in  thp  dangers,  but  also  in  the  corrupting  influence 
of  the  revolutionary  war.  A  systematic  and  confident 
infidelity  had  been  introduced,  and  it  widely  prevailed. 
G  2 

i 


78 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


It  boasted  of  genius,  and  wealth,  and  station.  Not  a 
few  among  the  leading  men  in  the  state  were  open  infi- 
dels, and  exerted,  in  many  instances,  a  fatal  influence 
on  the  rising  generation.  They  extensively  circulated 
Allen's  "  Oracles  of  Reason,"  and  other  infidel  books, 
which  were  read  with  more  interest  by  many  than  "  the 
lively  oracles  of  God." 

Such  was  the  state  of  religion  in  Vermont  when  Mr. 
Haynes  first  visited  this  great  moral  desert.  And  who 
is  not  compelled  to  see  the  hand  of  God  in  this  event ! 
Of  all  men,  he  was  the  one  to  expose  the  sophistry  and 
silence  the  blasphemies  of  infidehty.  His  great  mem- 
ory and  ready  wit  enabled  him  to  deal  the  heaviest 
blow  in  controversy.  No  champion  of  the  gospel  in 
that  region  was  better  qualified  to  confute  the  specious 
subtleties  of  infidels.  If  they  assailed  him  with  argu- 
ment, his  replies  were  ready  and  appropriate,  and  gen- 
erally with  such  naked  point  as  to  make  sophistry  ap- 
pear ridiculous.  And  if  they  railed  and  ridiculed,  he 
knew  full  well  how  to  reply. 

In  his  cast  of  mind  there  was  great  originality.  He 
was  keen  in  repartee ;  and  whoever  attacked  him  rude- 
ly or  impertinently,  had  reason  to  regret  that  he  had  not 
preserved  silence. 

"  On  one  public  day,"  says  a  respected  correspond- 
ent, "  I  saw  Mr.  Haynes  engaged  in  conversation  with 
a  Mr.  B.  P.,  a  man  who  had  collected  a  number  of 
books  in  support  of  infidelity,  and  fancied  that  he  was 
an  able  disputar.t.  A  large  circle  of  attentive  specta- 
tors had  gathered  about  them.  The  infidel  asked  Mr. 
Haynes  in  what  he  supposed  real  virtue  to  consist  ?  I 
understood  Mr.  H.  to  give  in  answer  nearly "Rresident 
Edwards's  view  of  the  subject,  to  which  the  infidel 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


79 


readily  objected.  Mr.  Haynes  then  returned  the  ques- 
tion, 'What  do  you  think  it  is?' — 'I  beUeve,'  he  reph- 
ed,  '  that  the  essence  of  true  virtue  is  natural  affection.^ 
He  proceeded  immediately  to  expatiate  on  its  impor- 
tance in  promoting  the  happiness  of  Beings.  '  Nat- 
ural affection  virtue  (Mr.  H.  repeated) — '  Natural 
affection  virtue  1  Then  my  old  swine  is  full  of  virtue. 
She  is  so  full  of  it,  that,  if  I  attempt  to  catch  one  of  her 
pigs,  she  will  tear  me  in  pieces  if  she  can.'  " 

March  28, 1788,  he  went  to  Rutland,  having  received 
a  call  to  the  pastoral  office  in  the  west  parish. 

Rutland  is  a  pleasant  and  fertile  town,  situate  on  Ot- 
ter Creek,  and  is  the  county  seat.  The  west  parish, 
comprising  an  intelligent,  industrious  population,  were 
harmonious  in  their  invitation  to  him  to  become  their 
spiritual  guide.  Being  now  in  the  meridian  of  his 
days,  he  brought  forth  to  this  people  the  fruits  of  a 
mind  enriched  with  divine  science,  and  imbued  with 
the  spirit  of  his  Master.  He  had  a  deep  sense  of  the 
awful  responsibilities  of  the  ministry,  and  was  "  deter- 
mined not  to  know  any  thing  among  his  people  save 
Jesus  Christ  and  him  crucified." 

Having,  by  patient  and  critical  investigation,  formed 
for  himself  a  system  of  divine  truth  as  he  understood 
the  Scriptures,  he  clearly  and  fearlessly  taught  this  sys- 
tem to  his  congregation.  Never  did  he  wait  to  inquire 
whether  a  particular  doctrine  was  popular.  His  only 
inquiries  were,  "  Is  it  true  ?  Is  it  profitable  ?  Is  it 
seasonable  ?"  He  seldom  if  ever  preached  a  merely 
doctrinal  sermon.  The  essential,  humbling  doctrines 
of  grace  were  the  seasoning  of  all  his  sermons.  Often 
by  a  happy  illustration  he  would  place  some  great  truth 
in  a  convincing  light  only  by  a  few  sentences.  The 


80  LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OP 

Divine  goodness  in  the  eternal  decree  of  election  he 
thus  illustrated  : — "  Does  God  give  a  sinner  a  new  heart 
to-day  ?  All  say  that  he  is  good  fo\-  this  act.  A  sin- 
ner is  plucked  as  a  brand  from  the  burnings,  and  a  pre- 
cious soul  is  saved  from  eternal  death.  If  God  formed 
the  design  of  saving  that  sinner  one  day  beforehand,  he 
was  good  during  a  whole  day  for  such  a  design.  If  it 
was  the  purpose  of  God  a  month  or  a  year  beforehand 
to  renew  that  sinner's  heart,  he  was  good  for  a  month 
or  a  year  for  his  benevolent  purpose.  What  if  God  de- 
termined from  eternity  to  sanctify  that  sinner  ?  Then 
he  was  eternally  good  for  such  a  determination.  This 
is  God's  decree  of  election  ;  therefore  his  eternal  elect* 
ing  love,  instead  of  proving  that  he  is  a  hard  master, 
unanswerably  proves  his  eternal,  unchangeable  good- 
ness." 

"  Some  say  it  is  no  matter  what  men  believe.  Is  it 
no  matter  if  men  are  damned?" — 2d  Thess.  ii.,  12. 
Such  illustrations  were  as  common  almost  as  his  at- 
tempt to  preach. 

He  was  singularly  successful  in  filling  the  house  of 
God  with  attentive  and  deeply-interested  hearers.  On 
Sabbath  morning  you  might  see  nearly  the  whole  popu- 
lation moving  with  solemn  stillness  to  the  place  of  wor- 
ship. Neither  the  feebleness  of  age,  nor  the  levity  of 
childhood  and  youth,  nor  even  the  stupidity  of  invete- 
rate wickedness,  prevented  attendance  in  the  house  of 
God. 

One  Sabbath  morning,  as  he  was  passing  by  a  de- 
vout woman  of  threescore  years  and  ten,  who  had 
walked  two  miles  or  more  on  her  way  to  the  sanctuary, 
he  thus  accosted  her  after  a  brief  salutation — "  Why, 
Mrs.  ,  you  come  constantly  to  meeting.    You  are 


REV,  LEMUEL  HAYNES.  81 

SO  aged  and  infirm,  I  wonder  how  you  dare  to  set  out  on 
foot." — "  0,  Mr.  Haynes,"  said  the  good  lady,  "  I  have 
but  few  more  Sabbaths  to  enjoy  here.  I  expect  every 
one  that  I  attend  will  be  the  last.  I  take  so  much  com- 
fort that  I  cannot  lose  one  Sabbath,  and  that  is  the  rea- 
son why  I  go.  And  besides,  I  know  that  He  who  gives 
me  strength  to  set  out  is  able  to  strengthen  me  on  the 
way."  One  of  the  deacons  in  his  church  was  never  ab- 
sent from  the  sacramental  lecture  except  in  one  in- 
stance, and  he  was  free  to  confess  that  even  one  solita- 
ry instance  was  a  faulty  neglect.  He  used  to  say,  "  I 
never  heard  a  sermon  from  my  minister  without  gain- 
ing something  new." 

Mr.  Haynes  was  decided  in  requiring  liis  own  family 
to  attend  public  worship,  and  to  attend  both  parts  of 
the  day.  If  any  one  proposed  staying  at  home  one 
half  of  the  day,  he  would  reply,  "  If  the  devil  can  make 
one  stay  away  in  the  forenoon,  he  is  almost  sure  to  de- 
tain him  in  the  afternoon." 

During  the  greatest  part  of  his  ministry  in  Rutland, 
the  attachment  of  his  hearers  was  unanimous  and 
ardent.  It  was  a  disappointment  to  see  a  stranger  in 
the  pulpit.  Some  emulation  existed  between  the  two 
parishes  in  the  town,  in  respect  to  their  ministers. 
Although  Mr.  Haynes  was  cordially  welcomed  by  the 
people  in  the  old  parish,  both  to  their  families  and  to 
the  pulpit,  yet  the  young  men,  by  way  of  pleasantry, 
would  often  remind  the  youth  in  the  West  Parish  of 
their  coloured  minister !  The  latter  would  strenuously 
reply : — 

"  His  soul  is  pure  ! — all  white  ! 
Snow  white !" 

Mr.  Haynes  had  but  few  correspondents,  and  his 
letters  were  evidently  written  in  great  haste.  They 


82 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


cannot  fail,  however,  to  be  highly  .appreciated,  as  they 
exhibit,  in  some  instances,  great  originahty ;  and  espe- 
cially as  they  manifest  the  humble,  devoted  Christian, 
and  the  faithful,  persevering  pastor. 

Extracts  from  Ids  Letters. 
LETTER  I. 

FROM  MR.  HAYNES   TO   DEACON    ELIHU  ATKINS,  GRAN- 
VILLE, MASS. 

Rutland,  October  19th,  1795. 

*  *  *  We  are  well ;  for  which  we  have  reason 
to  admire  distinguishing  goodness.  It  has  been  a  Very 
dying  time,  especially  among  children,  the  summer 
past. 

My  ministerial  labours  have  been  almost  insupport- 
able. We  have  but  few  ministers  in  this  vicinity.  I 
find  that  my  strength  begins  to  fail.  I  hope  I  shall  be 
able  to  finish  my  course  with  joy,  though  infinitely 
unworthy.  I  am  happy  among  the  people  of  my 
charge  as  to  union.  I  fear  we  have  but  little  religion. 
We  have  lately  procured  a  library  in  the  society,  and 
there  is  considerable  attention  to  reading.  I  think 
sometimes,  with  pleasing  satisfaction  mmgled  with 
gloom,  of  the  many  happy  hours  I  have  spent  under 
your  roof.  Whether  they  will  ever  be  repeated  God 
only  knows,  in  whose  hands  are  the  lives  of  men. 
May  we  meet  in  a  better  world  ! 

Yours  sincerely,  &c. 

LETTER  II. 

FROM  MR.  HAYNES  TO  THE  PASTOR  OF  THE  FIRST 
CHURCH  IN  GRANVILLE. 

Rutland,  October  1st,  1796. 

*  *  *  Experience  alone  can  teach  us  the  great 
difficulties  that  attend  the  gospel  ministry.  If  we  are 
faithful  we  shall  have  Divine  approbation.  With  re- 
spect to  religion  in  these  parts,  although  the  year  past 


REV.  LEMUEL  nAYNES. 


83 


some  towns  have  been  remarkably  visited  with  Divine 
influence,  yet  it  is  in  general  a  very  stupid  time.  I 
think  I  never  knew  infidelity  more  prevalent.  As 
you  observe,  Paine  has  advocates.  I  have  attended 
to  all  his  writings  on  theology,  and  can  find  little  else 
but  invective  and  the  lowest  kind  of  burlesque.  No 
candid  reader  will  own  him  as  reasoning  fairly.  We 
may  rest  satisfied  that  the  Lord  omnipotent  reignelh. 
I  find  it  more  and  more  necessary  to  study  divinity, 
and  to  obtain  clear  ideas.  I  attend  more  to  reasoning 
on  the  subjects  than  formerly.  The  truth  of  Divine 
revelation  is  called  in  question.  The  doctrine  of  God's 
electing  love  is  disputed — which  tends  to  enervate  [un- 
dermine] the  foundation  of  rational  religion.  We  have 
but  few  regular  ministers  among  us,  but  we  are  hap- 
pily united.  I  wish  to  hear  from  you  every  opportu- 
nity.   Should  Providence  concur,  I  expect  to  be  at 

G  next  winter ;  but  'tis  more  than  possible  that  I 

may  exchange  worlds  before  that  time.  Remember 
me  at  the  Throne  of  Grace.  My  heart  wishes  you 
success.    The  Lord  make  you  faithful. 

Yours  sincerely,  &c. 

LETTER  III. 
TO  THE  SAME. 

Rutland,  September  loth,  1797. 

•  *  •  It  has  been  a  very  dying  time  in  this  so- 
ciety and  the  places  adjacent.    Since  last  spring  we 

have  buried  about  fifteen,  chiefly  children  I 

have  mentioned  it  to  the  people  in  public,  that  perhaps 
God  is  correcting  us  for  our  neglect  of  family  religion 
— that  we  take  so  Utile  care  to  instruct  our  children  in 
religion.  I  have  just  returned  from  a  proposed  ordi- 
nation, at  Granville,  State  of  New  York.  The  pastor 
elect  was  Mr.  Nathaniel  Hall,  of  Sutton,  Avho  had  pre- 
viously made  a  journey  there,  and  was  to  return  a  week 
before  the  time  of  ordination.  The  council  met,  hut 
the  candidate  did  not  appear,  to  our  great  disappoint- 
ment, but  much  more  so  to  the  people.    Mr.  Hall  is  a 


84 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


promising  character.  None  are  suspicious  of  iniquity 
in  him  about  the  matter.  But  it  is  presumed  he  is 
either  dead  or  sick  on  the  road  from  Boston,  We 
wait  to  hear  the  event  unfolded.  Several  likely  young 
preachers  have  come  into  this  state  of  late.  I  hope 
Providence  will  open  the  door  for  the  gospel  to  spread 
among  us.  Infidelity  and  stupidity  are  very  prevalent. 
Corrupt  doctrines  are  circulated  ;  and  Arminianism  is 
not  without  its  votaries.  I  find  a  clear  understand- 
ing of  the  doctrines  of  the  gospel  is  very  necessary 
for  ministers  at  this  time.  We  had  need  to  study 
and  pray.  We  have  lately  lost  a  preacher  in  these 
parts,  the  Reverend  Mr.  Carpenter.  He  was  a  man 
of  une.xceptionable  character.  His  funeral  sermon 
will  soon  be  published,  when  (God  wilhng)  you  shall 
have  a  copy  sent  you.  Was  disappointed  in  not  visit- 
ing you  last  winter — hope  to  see  you  within  a  few 
weeks  or  months.    Pray  write  me  every  opportunity 

— let  me  have  some  useful  ideas  Remember 

me  at  the  Throne  of  Grace — more  especially  Zion  in 
general. 

Yours  sincerely,  &c. 

LETTER  IV. 
TO  THE  SAME. 

Rutland,  Dec.  29,  1199. 

Rev.  and  dear  Sir, 

Yours  by  your  brother  T         has  been  received, 

and  it  was  like  good  news  from  a  far  country.  I 
almost  envy  the  happiness  of  such  ministers,  whose  lot 
is  cast  among  a  people  where  God  is  pleased  to  pour 
out  his  spirit  in  so  plentiful  effusions.  Yet  souls  are 
as  precious  in  one  part  of  the  world  as  in  another,  and 
wherever  God  is  calling  in  souls,  it  will  afford  joy  to 
the  people  of  God.  Accounts  from  below,  of  late,  have 
often  refreshed  the  souls  of  the  pious  in  these  parts. 
There  have  been,  and  still  are,  instances  of  awakenings 
in  this  state,  though  they  have  not  been  general. 

At  Mount  Holley,  a  town  about  sixteen  miles  from 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


85 


Rutland,  there  have  been  nearly  forty  who  have  lately 
entertained  a  hope.  1  have  lately  been  with  them  to 
assist  in  gatiiering  a  church,  and  was  abundantly  satis- 
fied with  their  appearance.  A  few  drops  have  fallen 
on  Pittsford,  the  town  adjoining  this.  But  the  general 
inattention  in  this  state  is  gloomy.  But  little  inclina- 
tion to  settle  the  gospel.  We  have  an  ordination  ap- 
pointed at  Brandon  on  New-Year's  day.  Regular 
candidates  have  almost  forsaken  this  state.  Dissen- 
sions about  politics  have  had  an  unfavourable  influence 
on  religion,  as  they  have  gi-eatly  tended  to  alienate  the 
aifcctions  of  the  people  from  each  other,  at  least  in 
many  towns  in  the  state.  However,  I  think  they  have 
in  a  measure  subsided.  The  late  melancholy  news  of 
the  death  of  General  Washington  seems  to  shock  every 
heart.  I  think  we  may  view  it  a  great  frown  of  Provi- 
dence. May  it  teach  us  to  cease  trusting  in  man, 
whose  breath  is  in  his  nostrils.  I  have  for  a  long  time 
been  very  desirous  to  pay  you  a  visit,  but  family  and 
ministerial  affairs  have  hitherto  prevented :  still,  I  hope 
to  see  you  before  long.  The  longer  I  live  the  greater 
my  work  appears.  But  have  great  reason  to  be  hum- 
ble that  I  see  so  little  fruit  of  my  labour.  A  number 
of  churches  among  us  have  agi-eed  to  spend  some  time 
every  other  Thursday  in  prayer  for  the  outpouring  of 
the  spirit.  I  hope  we  shall  find  the  Most  High  a 
prayer-hearing  God.  While  it  is  well  with  you,  pray 
remember  us. 

Believe  me,  faithfully  yours,  &c. 

LETTER  V. 
TO  THE  SAME. 

,    Rutland,  Sept.  22,  1801. 

Dear  Sir, 

I  am  scarcely  able  to  express  my  desire  for  an  inter- 
view with  you  and  my  old  friends  at  G  .  Provi- 
dence has  for  a  long  time  prevented.  Hope  however  it 
will  be  but  a  few  months  before  I  shall  converse  with 
you  face  to  face.  For  the  present,  as  a  substitute,  I 
H 


86 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


wrap  myself  up  in  a  small  piece  of  paper,  and  have 
agreed  with  Deacon  H.  to  carry  me,  post  free,  in  his 
pocket.  The  main  thing  you  want  to  hear  about  is  the 
state  of  religion  among  us.  Although,  for  the  most 
part,  stupidity  reigns  triumphant,  yet  there  are  hopeful 
appearances  in  some  places.  Deacon  H.  will  tell  you 
the  good  news  from  Swanton.  There  seems  to  be  con- 
siderable attention  in  a  great  number  of  towns  to  the 
northward.  Perhaps  God  has  yet  mercy  in  store  for 
poor  Vermont.  The  missionaries  from  Conn,  have 
been  of  singular  service.  When  the  enemy  shall  come 
in  like  a  flood,  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  shall  lift  up  a 
standard  against  him.  We  have,  of  late,  a  little  in- 
quiry among  some  young  people  about  religion.  A 
number  sent  for  me  last  Sabbath  to  converse  about 
their  soul's  concern.  Five  or  six  cliildren  and  youth 
are  crying  out,  "  What  shall  we  do  to  be  saved  ?"  I 
take  a  little  courage  that  these  few  drops  may  presage 
a  shower.  Pray  for  us  that  the  Lord  would  carry  on 
his  work.  We  sensibly  feel  the  frowns  of  Divine 
providence  in  removing  Dr.  Edwards  from  Union  Col- 
lege. The  prospects  were  promising.  But  the  Lord 
reigns. 

It  has  been  a  time  of  mortality  for  months  past  in  the 
east  parish  in  Rutland.  A  young  man  was  throw^n  from 
his  horse  the  other  evening,  and  was  killed  almost  in- 
stantly. 

I  am  preparing  another  political  discourse  for  the 
press,  delivered  on  the  4th  of  July.  I  feel  an  aversion 
to  preach,  and  especially  to  print,  on  the  subject,  but 
I  find  it  unavoidable  without  giving  offence. 

I  thank  you  for  your  correspondence.  Pray  write 
every  opportunity.  I  hear  from  you  with  joy.  What 
is  the  meaning  of  Zech.,  chap,  v.,  5-1 1  verses  ? 

Yours,  in  the  fellowship  of  the  gospel,  &c. 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


87 


LETTER  VI. 
TO  THE  SAME. 

Rutland,  Oct.  3,  1802. 

Dear  Sir, 

Finding  that  the  bearer  had  no  letter  for  me  was  at- 
tended with  some  disappointment.  However,  I  suppose 
you  did  not  consider  yourself  indebted.  We  love  to 
work  for  wages,  and  tiie  sentiment  will  abide  with  us 
till  we  get  to  heaven.  Mr.  B.  informs  me  that  'tis  a 
time  of  coldness  among  you.  This  makes  it  hard 
studying  and  preaching.  But,  after  all,  perhaps  ii  will 
be  found  at  the  day  of  judgment  that  he  is  most  faithful 
who,  out  of  right  views,  has  done  the  most  to  prepare 
matters  for  that  day.  Yet  the  conversion  of  souls  is 
pleasing  to  the  benevolent  mind,  and  will  be  a  subor- 
dinate object  of  attention.  We  have  nothing  very 
special.  A  few  individuals  are  serious.  Let  us  prize 
even  the  day  of  small  things.  At  Castleton  there  has 
been  considerable  attention  to  religion  for  months  past. 
About  twenty-six  have  been  added  to  the  church.  In 
Ira,  about  three  miles  from  here,  a  family  is  visited  of 
late  with  the  influences  of  the  spirit,  who  have  always 
neglected  meeting  and  things  of  a  religious  nature. 
'Tis  best  God  should  so  work  as  to  make  it  evident 
fhat  'tis  all  of  him. 

The  missionaries  have  been  peculiarly  useful  among 
us ;  and,  generally,  met  with  a  kind  reception.  I  think 
that  the  missionary  spirit  that  has  appeared  of  late  is 
an  omen  of  good. 

I  have  this  day  finished  reading  a  fourth  volume  of 
Mr.  Fuller,  an  ingenious  European  writer.  You  have 
doubtless  read  his  "  Letters  to  the  Calvinists," — "  The 
Gospel  its  own  Witness," — "  The  Gospel  a  Faithful 
Saying,"  and  the  "  Backslider."  They  are  admired  by 
the  serious  ;  and,  I  think,  are  worthy  of  a  place  in  every 
minister's  library. 

I  intended  to  have  been  at  G.  the  second  Sabbath  in 
this  month,  but  sickness  I  think  will  prevent.    One  of 


88 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


my  children,  a  daughter  of  fourteen,  is  very  sick.  God 
is  correcting  us.  I  have  doubts  of  her  ever  recovering. 
I  find  I  deserve  chastisements. 

I  intended  to  have  written  more,  especially  more  to 
the  purpose,  but  weariness  of  body  and  mind  prevents. 
'Tis  Sabbath  evening — the  fatigue  of  the  pulpit  and  of 
my  distressed  family  must  apologize. 

We  live  at  a  great  distance,  but  would  it  be  too  much 
boldness  for  me  to  suggest,  that,  should  we  spend  one 
quarter  of  an  hour  every  Saturdaj^  evening  at  the  Tlirone 
of  Grace,  to  intercede  for  our  own  souls  and  the  souls 
of  our  people,  and  for  Zion  in  general,  we  might  thereby 
be  peculiarly  present  in  spirit  ? 

Yours  sincerely, 

Lemuel  Haynes. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

REVIVALS  OF  RELIGION. 

Through  the  instrumentality  of  Whitefield  and  his 
fellow-labourers,  our  own  country  was  blessed  with  ex- 
tensive revivals  a  little  before  the  middle  of  the  last  cen- 
tury. Owing  to  various  causes,  the  fruits  were  in  some 
measure  blasted,  and  the  churches  were  covered  with  a 
cloud  of  portentous  darkness.  In  many  parts  of  New- 
England,  "  religious  awakenings,"  as  they  were  styled, 
were  regarded  with  a  suspicious  eye.  The  special  in- 
fluences of  the  Spirit  were  in  a  great  measure  with- 
held, and  for  half  a  century  the  church  was  enlarged 
chiefly  by  gradual  additions. 

But,  near  the  commencement  of  the  present  century, 
copious  showers  of  Divine  grace  began  to  be  more  fre- 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES- 


89 


qucnt.  Through  the  tender  mercy  of  the  Lord,  these 
seasons  of  refreshing  continued  with  increased  frequen- 
cy and  power,  till  now  a  very  large  proportion  of  those 
who  are  members  of  the  church  seem  to  have  been 
turned  from  darkness  to  light  in  revivals  of  religion. 
Respecting  the  operations  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  Mr. 
Haynes  had  adopted  the  same  principles  as  Edwards 
and  Whitefield.  His  preaching  from  the  commence- 
ment of  his  labours  was  distinguished  for  directness 
and  unction,  and  was  calculated  to  quicken  the  believer 
in  his  course,  to  rouse  the  impenitent  sinner  from  his 
dangerous  slumber,  and  to  guide  him  to  the  Lamb  of 
God  as  the  only  hope  of  salvation.  He  entered  with 
all  his  heart  upon  the  work  of  promoting  revivals  of  re- 
ligion. He  possessed  the  talent  of  so  dividing  divine 
truth  as  to  strip  the  sinner  of  all  his  vain  pleas,  and 
present  vividly  to  view  both  his  entire  dependance  and 
his  obligation  to  obedience.  One  third  of  the  term  of 
his  ministerial  life  had  passed  away  previous  to  the 
commencement  of  these  remarkable  religious  revivals, 
which,  in  this  latter  age,  have  been  the  glory  of  the 
American  churches.  In  that  period  of  lukewarmness 
and  declension,  he  was  not  without  seals  of  his  minis- 
try. From  year  to  year  he  occasionally  met  anxious 
inquirers  after  salvation,  who  were  aided  by  his  coun- 
sels and  prayers. 

The  churcli  in  West  Rutland,  when  he  was  invested 
with  the  pastoral  care,  consisted  of  forty-two  members, 
most  of  whom  were  advanced  in  life.  The  first  year 
twenty-six  joined  by  profession,  and  few  additions  were 
made  in  subsequent  years.  It  was  not,  however,  till 
the  year  1803,  that  his  labours  were  blessed  with  what 
is  now  regarded  as  a  revival  of  religion.  This  was 
H  2 


90 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


truly  "  a  year  of  the  right  hand  of  the  Most  High."  It 
will  be  remembered  by  many  favoured  churches— ^it 
will  be  remembered  in  other  worlds.  The  Holy  Spirit 
came  down  like  a  mighty  rushing  wind,  bearing  away 
all  opposition.  An  account  of  this  work  of  grace  is 
given  in  the  following  letter  to  the  pastor  of  the  first 
church  in  Granville  : — 

Rutland,  April  5,  1803. 

Dear  Sir, 

*  *  *  I  have  never  taken  up  my  pen  with  more 
satisfaction  than  now,  as  I  am  able  to  inform  you  of  the 
prosperity  of  Zion.  Since  I  have  been  in  this  place, 
for  the  most  part  of  the  time  it  has  been  a  time  of  stu- 
pidity. Only  about  thirty  have  been  added  to  the 
church  for  fifteen  years.  We  have  kept  up  prayer- 
meetings  once  a  week  or  fortnight  during  the  whole 
time.  The  spirits  of  God's  people  have  been  sunk ; 
but  very  few  attended ;  our  harps  were  hung  upon  the 
willows.  Matters  grew  more  and  more  gloomy  till 
some  lime  in  November  last.  I  was  almost  determin- 
ed in  my  own  mind  to  ask  for  a  dismission,  when  it 
pleased  God  to  arrest  the  attention  of  a  very  thought- 
less youth,  who  on  Sabbath  evening  opened  his  distress 
to  me.  We  appointed  a  conference-meeting  that  week, 
and,  to  our  astonishment,  the  house  was  crowded,  and 
a  great  number  appeared  to  be  under  deep  impressions. 
The  work  spread  from  week  to  week,  till  it  was  diffi- 
cult to  find  any  dwelling-house  that  would  hold  the 
people.  In  one  instance  a  large  house  was  so  crowded 
that  the  sleepers  gave  way  and  threw  the  people  into 
the  cellar.  None  received  much  harm.  Not  a  day  nor 
night  in  a  week  but  people  would  crowd  to  meetings. 
The  great  inquiry  among  the  youth  and  others  was, 
"  What  shall  we  do  to  he  saved Children  of  eleven 
and  twelve  years  of  age  seemed  to  be  more  engaged 
about  religion  than  they  were  before  about  their  play. 
The  minds  of  the  people  in  general  were  attentive.  My 
house  has  been  often  thronged  with  people  who  desired 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


91 


to  discourse  about  religion.  Professors  are  alive. 
Never  did  I  behold  such  a  winter  as  the  past.  We 
have  been  able  to  reap  in  the  middle  of  January.  I 
hope  the  work  still  continues,  and  we  are  astonished  at 
the  displays  of  Divine  gi-ace  among  us.  Some  of  the 
most  open  enemies  have  been  bowed  to  sovereign  grace, 
and  brought  to  sit  at  the  feet  of  Jesus,  and  in  their  right 
mind.  We  have,  I  believe,  now  but  few  prayerless 
families  among  us  in  comparison  to  what  there  were 
previous  to  the  awakening.  Within  about  two  months 
we  have  had  above  sixty  who  have  made  a  profession 
of  religion  and  joined  the  church ;  and  a  great  number 
more  will  probably  soon  come  forward.  [The  whole 
number  added  to  the  church  was  one  hundred  and  three.] 
Thus  it  has  pleased  the  Lord  to  do  w'onders  among  us, 
to  the  praise  of  his  glorious  grace.  We  ask  an  inter- 
est in  your  prayers,  that  those  who  have  named  the 
name  of  Christ  may  be  enabled  to  walk  worthy  of  their 
profession,  and  that  God  would  continue  his  work  here 
and  through  the  world.  Please  write  to  me  by  the 
bearer. 

Yours  sincerely, 

Lemuel  Haynes. 
N.  B.  At  Pittsford,  the  town  adjoining  Rutland  on 
the  north,  not  less  than  one  hundred  and  fifty  have  late- 
ly made  profession  of  religion,  and  the  woik  still  con- 
tinues. 

P.  S.  Two  persons,  the  one  sixty  and  the  other  above 
eighty  years  of  age,  appear  to  be  subjects  of  convert- 
ing grace,  who  live  in  Rutland. 

In  1808  another  season  of  refreshment  from  the 
presence  of  the  Lord  accompanied  his  ministrations. 
As  many  as  one  hundred  and  nine  were  added  to  the 
church  in  one  year.  The  following  letter  has  reference 
to  tliis  precious  season  of  revival. 


92 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


TO  THE  SAME. 

Rutland,  April  2d,  1810. 

Very  dear  Sir, 

I  arise  this  morning  before  light  to  converse  with  you 
through  tlie  medium  of  my  pen.  Why  our  correspond- 
ence has  been  so  long  interrupted  is  almost  unaccount- 
able. I  find  so  many  domestic  and  ministerial  avoca- 
tions that  I  can  scarcely  find  time  to  write  to  a  friend. 
This  causes  me  to  look  on  your  negligence  with  a  fa- 
vourable eye.  I  am  sorry  I  cannot  entertain  you  with 
a  more  favourable  account  of  the  state  of  religion  in 
Rutland.  We  are  some  of  us  crying  out,  "  O  that  it 
was  with  us  as  in  months  past !"  And  yet  I  fear  there 
is  but  little  sincerity  in  all  this,  for  why  are  we  not  up 
and  doing  ?  I  think  I  informed  you  of  what  the  Lord 
did  here  the  year  past.  It  was  truly  a  refreshing  sea- 
son. It  astonished  beholders.  I  could  visit  houses 
and  see  poor  distressed  creatures,  with  their  book  in 
their  hands,  crying  out,  "  What  shall  I  do  to  be  saved  ?" 
Blessed  be  God,  we  still  see  the  effects  of  it.  I  hope 
far  the  greater  part  of  families  are  those  who  call  upon 
God.  But  we  are  sunk  into  a  deep  sleep.  Political 
distraction,  I  believe,  has  extinguished  the  flame. 

But  God  is  doing  wonders  around  us.  At  Middle- 
bury  the  work  of  God  has  been  astonishing,  especially 
among  the  students  in  college.  At  Shoreham,  Orwell, 
Cornwall,  and  Whiting,  it  has  exceeded  all  description. 
Hundreds  have,  we  hope,  bowed  to  the  sceptre  of  Im- 
manuel.  A  school  at  Orwell  the  other  day  was  so  im- 
pressed with  a  sense  of  their  danger  as  wholly  to  pre- 
vent their  preceptor  from  regularly  proceeding  amid 
the  sighs  and  cries  of  his  pupils.  The  minister  was 
sent  for.  It  astonished  the  master  of  the  school,  who 
was  obliged,  though  contrary  to  his  inclination,  to  cry 
out  or  to  acknowledge  that  it  was  the  power  and  hand 
of  God.  I  hear  that  twenty-seven  of  those  httle  crea- 
tures have  hopefully  come  to  Jesus.  0  !  my  dear 
brother,  how  comforting  the  thought,  that  although  we 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


93 


must  soon  die,  God  will  have  instruments  to  build  up 
his  precious  cause  in  the  world. 

In  a  letter  Mrs.  B.  wrote  to  her  daughter,  she  sug- 
gests that  some  drops  have  distilled  among  your  peo- 
ple of  late.  Pray  don't  despise  tlie  day  of  small 
things.  Thank  God  and  take  courage.  1  had  an  in- 
clination to  visit  G          the  winter  past.    I  long  to 

see  you  once  more  in  the  flesh,  but  was  unexpectedly 
called  to  attend  an  ordination,  where  many  of  our  church 
have  removed,  one  luuidred  and  fifty  miles  to  the 
northward.  I  travelled  about  a  hundred  miles  on  the 
lake,  which  has  proved  a  watery  grave  to  m.any  this 


Is  it  not  in  your  power  to  wrest  as  much  as  five  or 
six  minutes  at  least  from  more  important  business  to 
write  me  a  few  lines  ?  It  would  aflford  me  peculiar 
satisfaction. 

My  family  have  been  exercised  with  sickness — some 
of  them  have  been  brought  near  the  grave.  Mrs.  H. 
is  very  much  unwell,  but  we  all  hve. 

Between  you  and  me,  may  I  not  mention  without 
ostentation  that  three  of  my  wicked  children,  I  hope, 
love  God.  Oh  !  help  me  to  praise  the  Lord  !  I  con- 
clude I  am  selfish — forgive  my  impertinence — I  ask 
you  to  pray  for  Rudand — for  Zion  in  general — and  for 
one  of  the  least  of  all  God's  mercies.    Remember  me 


Believe  me,  dear  sir,  faithfully  yours, 

Lemuel  Haynes. 

Mr.  Haynes  was  a  most  successful  and  acceptable 
labourer  in  religious  revivals  within  his  own  charge 
and  in  the  surrounding  region.  Several  churches 
sought  and  obtained  his  labours  when  practicable.  He 
was  much  in  revivals,  and  few  pastors,  it  is  believed, 
will  have  a  crown  of  more  gracious  seals  in  heaven 
than  Lemuel  Haynes. 

In  these  sacred  seasons  his  private  conversations  as 


season,  but  God  preserved  us. 


to  your  dear  famib 


good  Mr.  Baker  and  family. 


94 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


well  as  his  public  discourses  were  singularly  felicitous 
and  effective.  The  instructions  which  he  gave  to  the 
diffident,  the  anxious,  or  the  lingering  inquirer,  will 
long  be  remembered,  not  merely  on  account  of  their 
success,  but  as  illustrations  of  the  condition  of  the  hu- 
man heart,  and  of  a  liappy  method  of  assailing  this 
citadel  of  hostility  to  God.  Of  these  the  following  is 
related  by  a  worthy  correspondent. 

"  Mr.  Haynes  was  once  at  my  house  in  B   at 

the  time  of  a  revival  of  religion.  He  had  inquired 
with  deep  interest  of  the  progress  of  the  work,  and  ex- 
pressed his  fervent  prayer  for  its  prosperity,  when  a 
young  lady  called,  whom  I  waited  on  in  an  adjoining 
room.  She  was  deeply  convicted  of  sin,  but  saw  no 
light  in  the  gospel  plan  of  salvation.  She  felt  her 
need,  but  not  her  obligation,  and  was  waiting  for  God 
to  convert  her  by  a  miracle.  I  conversed  and  prayed 
with  her,  but  no  light  arose  to  her  mind.  I  then  in- 
formed her  that  Father  Haynes  was  in  the  house,  and 
that,  if  she  had  any  desire  to  receive  instruction  from 
the  voice  of  age  and  experience  in  the  Christian  hfe, 
I  would  invite  him  in.  She  readily  assented  ;  and, 
after  I  had  informed  him  of  the  state  of  her  mind,  he 
commenced  the  interview  as  follows : — 

"  Question.  '  Young  woman  !  do  you  e.xpect  to  go 
home  to-night  ?' 

"  Answer.  '  Yes,  sir.' 

"  Question.  '  How  do  you  expect  to  get  there  ?' 

"Answer.  ' I  expect  to  walk.' 

"  Question.  '  How  will  you  walk  V 

"  The  young  lady  was  embarrassed,  and  made  no 
reply.  *  Well,'  said  Mr.  H.,  '  I  can  tell  you  how  you'll 
walk.    You'll  put  one  foot  before  t'other — that's  the 


1 


REV,  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


95 


way  you'll  get  home,  if  the  Lord  pleases.  And  that's 
the  way  to  get  to  heaven — you  must  put  one  foot  be- 
fore t'other,  and  the  Lord  will  take  care  of  you.  It  is 
He  who  is  calling  you  by  his  spirit — and  he  calls  you 
not  to  wait  for  him  to  carry  you,  but  to  follow  him ; — 
and  then  you  have  his  promise  that  he  will  guide  you 
by  his  counsels.  But  he  will  not  carry  you  to  heaven 
without  your  own  walking,  any  more  than  he  will 
carry  you  home  to-night  while  you  sit  still  here.  You 
must  put  one  foot  before  the  other,  and  set  out.'" 

By  this  singular  introduction  he  arrested  the  atten- 
tion of  the  young  lady  to  the  very  point  of  her  diffi- 
culty. He  then  urged  upon  her  with  warmth  and 
simphcity  her  obligation  to  immediate  submission  and 
unreserved  obedience  in  faith  and  love.  His  words 
were  attended  with  the  power  of  the  Holy  Ghost ;  and 
that  night,  as  the  young  lady  walked  towards  her  home, 
every  step,  as  she  put  one  foot  before  the  other,  was 
an  admonition,  in  the  light  of  the  instruction  she  had 
just  received,  to  commit  her  ways  unto  the  Lord.  She 
soon  gave  evidence  of  hopeful  conversion — and  adorned 
the  doctrines  of  the  gospel  by  her  subsequent  life — 
holding  in  the  most  grateful  remembrance  the  instru- 
mentality of  Father  Haynes  in  bringing  her  from  dark- 
ness to  light. 


96 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


CHAPTER  VII. 

CONTROVERSY  WITH  HOSEA  BALLOU. 

In  the  year  1805  Mr.  Haynes  published  his  cele- 
brated sermon,  from  the  text,  "  Ye  shall  not  surely 
die,"  in  answer  to  Hosea  Ballou,  a  distinguished 
preacher  of  the  doctrine  of  universal  salvation.  This 
discourse  has  been  printed  and  reprinted,  both  in 
America  and  in  Great  Britain,  till  no  one  pretends  to 
give  any  account  of  the  number  of  editions.  It  is  sta- 
ted by  those  that  heard  it,  that,  in  the  publication,  not  a 
few  of  the  happiest  illustrations  are  omitted.  The  cir- 
cumstances in  which  it  was  preached  are  thus  detailed 
in  an  extract  of  a  letter  from  a  respected  correspond- 
ent, A.  G.  Dana,  M.  D.  :— 

"  Pittsford  (Vt  ),  July  13th,  1S35. 

"  Rev.  and  Dear  Sir, 
*  *  *  "  Several  years  since  Mr.  Haynes  passed 
the  Sabbath  and  preached  where  I  then  resided ;  and 
having  tarried  at  my  house  during  his  stay,  I  took  the 
opportunity  to  inquire  of  him  as  to  the  cuxumstances 
of  his  meeting  with  Mr.  Ballou  on  the  abovementioned 
occasion,  when  he  related  the  following  facts  : — He 
had,  on  the  preceding  Sabbath,  made  an  appointment 
to  preach  a  lecture  in  a  remote  part  of  the  parish,  the 
same  day  in  which  Mr.  Ballou  preached  in  his  pulpit. 
I  think  he  informed  me  that  he  knew  nothing  of  the 
appointment  of  Mr.  Ballou  till  the  day  arrived.  On 
the  morning  of  the  day  some  of  his  friends  called  on 
him  and  expressed  their  regret  that  his  lecture  was  on 
that  day,  as  Mr.  Ballou  was  to  preach  there ;  and  that, 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


97 


on  his  arrival  the  preceding  evening,  and  learning  that 
Mr.  Haynes  was  to  be  absent,  he  had  remarked,  that 
'the  orthodox  gentry  generally  scud'  when  he  went 
into  a  place  to  preach.  His  brethren  unanimously 
advised  him  to  forego  his  own  appointment,  and  go 
and  hear  Mr.  Ballou.  During  the  conversation,  the 
man  at  whose  house  his  own  lecture  was  to  be  deliv- 
ered happening  to  call,  united  with  his  friends  in  the 
same  opuiion.  Accordingly  Mr.  Haynes  came  to  the 
conclusion  to  attend  the  preaching  of  the  universalist. 
On  arriving  at  the  meeting-house  he  was  introduced  to 
Mr.  Ballou,  who  immediately  invited  him  to  take  a  part 
in  the  exercises,  which  he  modestly  declined,  saying 
that  he  came  merely  as  a  hearer.  But,  on  Mr.  Bal- 
lou'5  repeating  the  request,  adding  that  he  thought  it 
peculiarly  proper  that  he  should  take  some  part  in  the 
exercises,  as  he  was  to  occupy  his  pulpit,  Mr.  Haynes 
remarked  that  he  might  perhaps  be  willing  to  make 
some  remarks  after  he  had  closed.  Accordingly,  Mr. 
Ballou,  after  concluding  his  discourse,  turned  to  Mr. 
Haynes  and  said,  '  There  is  opportunity  for  remarks, 
if  you  are  disposed  to  make  any ;'  when  he  arose  and 
delivered  the  discourse  in  question. 

"  It  is  obvious  from  these  facts,  as  well  as  from  the 
discourse  itself,  that  the  subject  was  chosen,  and  the 
plan  and  arrangement  of  the  discourse  formed,  while 

listening  to  Mr.  Ballou ;  who,  with  all  his  '  note 

of  preparation,'  was  so  signally  and  triumphantly  over- 
tlirown. 

"  I  am,  sir,  very  respectfully,  your  ob't  serv't, 

"  A.  G.  Dana. 

"  Rev.  Dr.  Cooley." 


I 


98 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


Universal  Salvation  a  very  Ancient  Doctrine,  with 
some  Account  of  the  Life  and  Character  of  its  Au- 
thor :  a  Sermon  delivered  at  Rutland,  West  Parish, 
Vermont,  in  the  year  1805,  by  Lemuel  Haynes, 
A.  M.  Seventh  Edition.  New  York:  printed  for 
Cornelius  Davis.  1810. 

[From  the  Panoplist.] 

The  following  are  some  of  the  excellences  of  this  ser- 
mon : — 

1.  The  text  is  very  aptly  chosen. 

2.  It  is  a  very  impressive  and  convincing  sermon.  What 
could  more  strongly  prove  the  falsehood  of  Universalism 
than  to  show  from  Scripture  that  the  devil  was  its  author 
and  first  preacher  ^ 

3.  The  satire  which  runs  through  the  sermon  is  founded 
on  truth  and  justice,  and  managed  with  Christian  sobriety. 

4.  The  sermon  displays  much  originality. 

5.  It  is  a  very  popular  sermon.  Of  this  there  is  sufficient 
proof  in  the  six  editions  of  it  which  have  been  printed  with- 
in two  years. 

6.  It  is  a  very  useful  sermon,  especially  to  those  who 
want  leisure,  ability,  or  patience  to  follow  with  advantage  a 
long  chain  of  reasoning. 


PREFACE. 

There  is  no  greater  folly  than  for  men  to  express 
anger  and  resentment  because  their  religious  sentiments 
are  attacked.  If  their  characters  are  impeached  by 
their  own  creed,  they  only  are  to  blame.  All  that  the 
antagonists  can  say  cannot  make  falsehood  truth  nor 
truth  falsehood. 

The  following  discourse  was  delivered  at  Rutland,  in 
June,  1805,  immediately  after  hearing  Mr,  Ballou, 
a  Universal  preacher,  zealously  exhibit  his  sentiments. 
The  author  had  been  repeatedly  solicited  to  hear  and 
dispute  with  the  above  preacher ;  and  had  been  charged 
with  dishonesty  and  cowardice  for  refusing.    He  felt 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


99 


that  some  kind  of  testimony,  in  opposition  to  what  he 
calls  error,  ought  to  be  made  ;  and  has  been  urged  to 
let  the  same  appear  in  print.  But  whether,  on  the 
whole,  it  is  for  the  interest  of  truth,  is  left  to  the  judg- 
ment of  the  candid. 

Rutland,  Dec.  30,  1805. 


A    SERMON,  &C. 

Genesis  iii.,  4:  —   And  the  serpent  said  unto  the 
woman,  Ye  shall  not  surely  die." 

The  Holy  Scriptures  are  a  peculiar  fund  of  instruc- 
tion. They  inform  us  of  the  origin  of  creation  ;  of  the 
primitive  state  of  man ;  of  his  fall,  or  apostacy  from 
God.  It  appears  that  he  was  placed  in  the  garden  of 
Eden,  with  full  liberty  to  regale  himself  with  all  the 
delicious  fruits  that  were  to  be  found  except  what  grew 
on  one  tree — if  he  ate  of  that  he  should  surely  die,  was 
the  declaration  of  the  Most  High. 

Happy  were  the  human  pair  amid  this  delightful  par- 
adise, until  a  certain  preacher,  in  his  journey,  came  that 
way,  and  disturbed  their  peace  and  tranquillity  by  en- 
deavouring to  reverse  the  prohibition  of  the  Almighty, 
as  in  om-  text — "  Ye  shall  not  surely  die." 

"  She  pluck'd,  she  ate  ; 
Earth  felt  the  wound  :  nature  from  her  seat, 
Sighing  through  all  her  works,  gave  signs  of  wo, 
That  all  was  lost."— Milton. 

We  may  attend, 

To  the  character  of  the  preacher — to  the  doctrine 
inculcated — to  the  hearer  addressed — to  the  medium  or 
instrument  of  the  preaching. 

I.  As  to  the  preacher,  I  would  observe,  he  has  many 
names  given  him  ni  the  sacred  writings,  the  most  com- 
mon is  the  Devil.  That  it  was  he  that  disturbed  the  feli- 
city of  our  first  parents,  is  evident  from  2  Cor.  xi.,  3, 
and  many  other  passages  of  Scripture.  He  was  once  an 


100 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


angel  of  light,  and  knew  better  than  to  preach  such 
doctrine  ;  he  did  violence  to  his  own  reason. 

But,  to  be  a  little  more  particular,  let  it  be  observed, 

1.  He  is  an  old  preacher.  He  lived  about  one  thou- 
sand seven  hundred  years  before  Abraham — above  two 
thousand  four  hundred  and  thirty  years  before  Moses — 
four  thousand  and  four  years  before  Christ.  It  is  now 
five  thousand  eight  hundred  and  nine  years  since  he 
commenced  preaching.  By  this  time  he  must  have  ac- 
quired great  skill  in  the  art. 

2.  He  is  a  very  cunning,  artful  preacher.  When 
Elymas,  the  sorcerer,  came  to  turn  away  people  from 
the  faith,  he  is  said  to  be  full  of  all  subtlety,  and  a  child 
of  the  devil — not  only  because  he'  was  an  enemy  of  all 
righteousness,  but  on  account  of  his  carnal  cunning  and 
craftiness. 

3.  He  is  a  very  laborious,  unwearied  preacher.  He 
has  been  in  the  ministry  almost  six  thousand  years, 
and  yet  his  zeal  is  not  in  the  least  abated.  The  apostle 
Peter  compares  him  to  a  roaring  lion,  walking  about, 
seeking  whom  he  may  devour.  \Vhen  God  inquired  of 
this  persevering  preacher,  Job  ii.,  2,  "From  whence 
earnest  thou  ?"  he  "  answered  the  Lord,  and  said. 
From  going  to  and  fro  in  the  earth,  and  from  loalking 
up  and  doivn  in  it."  He  is  far  from  being  circum- 
scribed within  the  narrow  limits  of  parish,  state,  or  con- 
tinental lines ;  but  his  haunt  and  travel  is  very  large  and 
extensive. 

4.  He  is  a  heterogeneous  preacher,  if  I  may  so  ex- 
press myself.  He  makes  use  of  a  Bible  when  he  holds 
forth,  as  in  his  sermon  to  our  Saviour,  Matt,  iv.,  6.  He 
mixes  truth  with  error,  in  order  to  make  it  go  well,  or 
to  carry  his  point. 

5.  He  is  a  very  presumptuous  preacher.  Notwith- 
standing God  had  declared  in  the  most  plain  and  posi- 
tive terms,  "  Thou  shalt  surely  die" — or,  "  In  dying  thou 
shalt  die" — yet  this  audacious  wretch  had  the  impu- 
dence to  confront  omnipotence,  and  say,  "  Ye  shall  not 
surely  die  !" 

6.  He  is  a  very  successful  preacher.    He  draws  a 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


101 


great  number  after  him.  No  preacher  can  command 
hearers  like  him.  He  was  successful  with  our  first 
parents — with  the  old  world.  Noah  once  preached  to 
those  spirits  that  are  now  in  the  prison  of  hell,  and 
told  them  from  God  that  they  should  surely  die  ;  but 
this  preacher  came  along,  and  declared  the  contrary — 
"  Ye  shall  not  surely  die."  The  greater  part,  it  seems, 
beheved  him,  and  went  to  destruction.  So  it  was  with 
Sodom  and  Gomorrah — Lot  preached  to  them ;  the 
substance  of  which  was,  "  Up,  get  ye  out  of  this  place  ; 
for  the  Lord  will  destroy  this  city." — Gen.  xix.,  14. 
But  this  old  declaimer  told  them.  No  danger !  no  danger  ! 
"  Ye  shall  not  surely  die."  To  which  they  generally 
gave  heed ;  and  Lot  seemed  to  them  as  one  who 
mocked — they  believed  the  Universal  preacher,  and 
were  consumed — agreeably  to  the  declaration  of  the 
apostle  Jude,  "  Sodom  and  Gomorrah,  and  the  cities 
about  them,  suffering  the  vengeance  of  eternal  fire." 

IL  Let  us  attend  to  the  doctrine  inculcated  by  this 
preacher,  "Ye  shall  not  surely  die."  Bold  assertion! 
without  a  single  argument  to  support  it.  The  death 
contained  in  the  threatening  was  doubtless  eternal  death, 
— as  nothing  but  this  would  express  God's  feelings  to- 
wards sin,  or  render  an  infinite  atonement  necessary. 
To  suppose  it  to  be  spiritual  death  is  to  blend  crime  and 
punishment  together.  To  suppose  temporal  death  to 
be  the  curse  of  the  law,  then  believers  are  not  delivered 
from  it,  according  to  Galatians  iii.,  13.  What  Satan 
meant  to  preach  was,  that  there  is  no  liell ;  and  that  the 
wages  of  sin  is  not  death,  but  eternal  life. 

in.  We  shall  now  take  notice  of  the  hearer  addressed 
by  the  preacher.  This  we  have  in  the  text — "  And  the 
serpent  said  unto  the  woman.  Ye  shall  not  surely  die." 
That  Eve  had  not  so  much  experience  as  Adam  is  evi- 
dent; and  so  not  equally  able  to  withstand  temptation. 
This  doubtless  was  a  reason  why  the  tempter  chose  her, 
with  whom  he  might  hope  to  be  successful.  Doubtless 
he  took  a  time  when  she  was  separated  from  her  hus- 
band. 

That  this  preacher  has  had  the  greatest  success  in 
T  2 


103 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


the  dark  and  ignorant  parts  of  the  earth,  is  evident ;  hia 
kingdom  is  a  kingdom  of  darkness.  He  is  a  great  ene- 
my to  light.  St.  Paul  gives  us  some  account  of  him  in 
his  day — 2  Tim.  iii.,  6.  "  For  of  this  sort  are  they 
which  creep  into  houses,  and  lead  captive  silly  women, 
laden  with  sins,  led  away  with  divers  lusts."  The 
same  apostle  observes,  Rom.  xvi.,  17,  18,  "Now  1  be- 
seech you,  brethren,  mark  them  which  cause  divisions 
and  offences  contrary  to  the  doctrine  which  ye  have 
learned,  and  avoid  them.  For  they  that  are  such  serve 
not  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  but  their  own  belly;  and  by 
good  words  and  fair  speeches  deceive  the  hearts  of  the 
simple^ 

IV.  The  instrument  or  medium  made  use  of  by  the- 
preacher  will  now  be  considered.  This  we  have  in  the 
text — "  And  the  serpent  said  unto  the  woman.  Ye 
shall  not  surely  die."  But  how  came  the  devil  to  preach 
through  the  serpent  ? 

1.  To  save  his  own  character,  and  the  better  to  carry 
his  point.  Had  the  devil  come  to  our  first  parents  per- 
sonally and  unmasked,  they  would  have  more  easily 
seen  the  deception.  The  reality  of  a  future  punish- 
ment is  at  times  so  clearly  impressed  on  the  human 
mind,  that  even  Satan  is  constrained  to  own  that  there 
is  a  hell,  although  at  other  times  he  denies  it.  He  does 
not  wish  to  have  it  known  that  he  is  a  liar ;  therefore  he 
conceals  himself,  that  he  can  the  better  accomplish  his 
designs  and  save  his  own  character. 

2.  The  devil  is  an  enemy  to  all  good,  to  all  happi- 
ness and  excellence.  He  is  opposed  to  the  felicity  of 
the  brutes.  He  took  delight  in  tormenting  the  swine. 
The  serpent,  before  he  set  up  preaching  universal  sal- 
vation, was  a  cunning,  beautiful,  and  happy  creature ; 
but  now  his  glory  is  departed.  "  And  the  Lord  said 
unto  the  serpent,  Because  thou  hast  done  this  thou  art 
cursed  above  all  cattle,  and  above  every  beast  of  the 
field ;  upon  thy  belly  shalt  thou  go,  and  dust  shalt  thou 
eat  all  the  days  of  thy  life."  There  is  therefore  a  kind 
of  duplicate  cunning  in  the  matter — Satan  gets  the 
preacher  and  hearers  also. 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES, 


103 


"  And  is  not  this  triumphant  treachery, 
And  more  than  simple  conquest  in  the  foe !" — Young. 

3.  Another  reason  why  Satan  employs  instruments 
in  his  service  is,  because  his  empire  is  large,  and  he 
cannot  be  everywhere  himself. 

4.  He  has  a  large  number  at  his  command  that  love, 
and  approve  of  his  work,  delight  in  building  up  his 
kingdom,  and  stand  ready  to  go  at  his  call. 

INFERENCES. 

1.  The  devil  is  not  dead,  but  still  lives,  and  is  able 
to  preach  as  well  as  ever,  "  Ye  shall  not  surely  die." 

2.  Universal  salvation  is  no  new-fangled  scheme,  but 
can  boast  of  great  antiquity. 

3.  See  a  reason  why  it  ought  to  be  rejected,  because 
it  is  an  ancient  devilish  doctrine. 

4.  See  one  reason  why  it  is  that  Satan  is  such  a 
mortal  enemy  to  the  Bible,  and  to  all  who  preach  the 
gospel,  because  of  that  injunction,  Mark  xvi.,  15,  16 — 
"  And  he  said  unto  them,  Go  ye  into  all  the  world  and 
preach  the  gospel  to  every  creature.  He  that  believeth 
and  is  baptized  shall  be  saved ;  but  he  that  believeth 
not  shall  be  damned." 

5.  See  whence  it  was  that  Satan  exerted  himself  so 
much  to  convince  our  first  parents  that  there  was  no 
hell,  because  the  denunciation  of  the  Almighty  vras 
true,  and  he  was  afraid  that  Adam  and  Eve  would  con- 
tinue in  the  belief  of  it.  Was  there  no  truth  in  future 
punishment,  or  was  it  only  a  temporary  evil,  Satan 
would  not  be  so  busy  in  trying  to  convince  men  that 
there  is  none.  It  is  his  nature  and  element  to  lie. 
"  When  he  speaketh  a  lie  he  speaketh  of  his  own,  for 
he  is  a  liar,  and  the  father  of  it." — John  viii.,  44. 

6.  We  infer  that  ministers  should  not  be  proud  of 
their  preaching.  If  they  preach  the  true  gospel,  they 
only  in  substance  repeat  Christ's  sermons.  If  they 
preach  "  Ye  shall  not  surely  die,"  they  only  make  use 
of  the  devil's  old  notes  that  he  delivered  almost  six 
thousand  years  ago. 

7.  It  is  probable  that  the  doctrine  of  universal  salva- 


104 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OP 


tion  will  still  prevail,  since  this  preacher  is  yet  alive, 
and  not  in  the  least  superannuated ;  and  every  effort 
against  him  only  enrages  him  more  and  more,  and  ex- 
cites him  to  new  inventions  and  exertions  to  build  up 
his  cause. 

To  close  the  subject.  As  the  author  of  the  forego- 
ing discourse  has  confined  himself  wholly  to  the  char- 
acter of  Satan,  he  trusts  no  one  will  feel  himself  per- 
sonally injured  by  this  short  sermon.  But  should  any 
imbibe  a  degree  of  friendship  for  this  aged  divine,  and 
think  that  1  have  not  treated  this  universal  preacher 
with  that  respect  and  veneration  that  he  justly  deserves, 
let  them  be  so  kind  as  to  point  it  out,  and  I  will  most 
cheerfully  retract ;  for  it  has  ever  been  a  maxim  with 
me,  "  Render  unto  all  their  dues." 


The  following  lines,  taken  from  the  Theological 
Magazine,  were  repeated  after  the  delivery  of  the  pre- 
ceding discourse : — 

A  late  writer  in  favour  of  Universal  Salvation  having 
closed  his  piece  with  these  last  lines  of  Pope's  Messiah, 

"The  seas  shall  waste,  the  skies  in  smoke  decay, 
Rocks  fall  to  dust,  and  mountains  melt  away ; 
But  fixed  his  word,  his  saving  power  remains. 
Thy  realm  for  ever  lasts,  thy  own  Messiah  reigns :" 

his  antagonist  made  the  following  addition  to  them  : — 
UNIVERSALISM  INDEED. 

"  When  seas  shall  waste,  and  skies  in  smoke  decay, 
Rocks  fall  to  dust,  and  mountains  melt  away ; 
In  adamantine  chains  shall  death  bo  bound, 
And  hell's  grim  tyrant  feel  the  eternal  wound." 
But  all  his  children  reach  fair  Eden's  shore, 
Not  e'er  to  see  their  father  Satan  more. 
The  tottering  drunkards  shall  to  glory  reel. 
And  common  strumpets  endless  pleasure  feel. 
Bless'd  are  the  haughty  who  despise  the  poor, 
For  they're  entitled  to  the  heavenly  store. 
Bless'd  all  who  laugh  and  scoff  at  truth  divine, 
-   For  bold  revilers  endless  comfort  find. 


REV.  LEMUEL  HATNES. 


105 


Bless'd  are  the  clam'rous  and  contentious  crew, 
To  them  eternal  rest  and  peace  are  due. 
Bless'd  all  who  hunger  and  who  thirst  to  find 
A  chance  to  plunder  and  to  cheat  mankind : 
Such  die  in  peace — for  God  to  them  has  given 
To  be  unjust  on  earth,  and  go  to  heaven. 
Bless'd  is  the  wretch  whose  bowels  never  move 
With  generous  pity  or  with  tender  love  ; 
He  shall  find  mercy  from  the  God  above. 
Bless'd  all  who  seek  to  wrangle  and  to  fight — 
Such  mount  from  seas  of  blood  to  worlds  of  light. 
Go  riot,  drink,  and  ev'ry  ill  pursue. 
For  joys  eternal  are  reserved  for  you. 
Fear  not  to  sin  till  death  shall  close  your  eyes, 
Live  as  )'0U  please,  yours  is  th'  immortal  prize. 
Old  Serpent,  hail !  thou  mad'st  a  just  reply 
To  mother  Eve,  "  Ye  shall  not  surely  die  !" 
But,  reader,  stop !  and  in  God's  holy  fear, 
With  sacred  truth  these  tenets  first  compare ; 
Our  Saviour's  sermon  on  the  mount  peruse — 
Read  with  attention,  and  the  bane  refuse ! 


A  Letter  to  the  Reverend  Hosea  Ballou,  being  a  reply 
to  his  Epistle  to  the  author ;  or,  his  attempt  to  vin- 
dicate the  Old  Universal  Preacher.  By  Lemuel 
Haynes,  Pastor  of  a  Church  in  Rutland  {Vt.). 
Rutland:  printed  by  William  Fay,  1807. 

Rev.  Sir, 

You  may  perhaps  think  it  strange  that  I  have  so 
long  neglected  answering  your  epistle,  and  that  my  in- 
attention is  a  mark  of  disrespect.  It  is  not  more  than 
two  or  three  weeks  since  I  have  had  time  to  give  it 
onlj''  a  cursory  reading.  Should  you  think  that  there 
are  things  in  these  remarks  inconsistent  with  Christian 
sobriety,  you  will  turn  to  Prov.  xxvi.,  5,  which  passage 
has  had  peculiar  influence,  and  repeatedly  dictated  the 
following  strictures. 

In  your  first  page  you  charge  me  with  calling  the 
master  of  your  house  Beelzebub,  together  with  his 
household.  1  have  examined  the  sermon,  and  find  no 
such  title  applied  to  him  or  to  his  household.  So  that 
I  plead  not  guilty. 


106 


XIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


You  tell  us  that  the  design  of  your  epistle  is  to  in- 
form me  and  the  public  how  you  viewed  my  conduct 
at  the  time  I  delivered  the  sermon,  about  which  you 
seem  to  be  so  much  agitated.  You  say,  "  It  was  the 
most  unchristian-like  behaviour  I  ever  saw  in  one  who 
professed  to  preach  Christ  and  his  salvation ;  and  that 
some  of  my  own  parish  and  others  have  said  tlie 
same."  Possibly  you  might  think  so,  and  some  others 
might  think  so — and  myself  and  many  others  think 
very  diiferent,  and  what  of  all  that  ?  there  is  nothing 
proved;  it  comes  to  this, — you  and  I,  and  other  people, 
•will  think  just  as  we  please.  However,  should  the 
matter  terminate  according  to  the  decision  of  my  own 
parish,  as  you  call  them,  you  may  be  very  jealous  that 
it  would  not  be  agreeable  to  your  wishes.  But  what 
kind  of  advantage  it  would  be  to  the  public  to  have  us 
inform  them  what  we  think  of  each  other,  I  cannot 
conceive ;  I  have  real  doubts,  should  we  bring  it  all 
out  to  view,  whether  we  or  others  would  derive  much 
advantage  by  the  exhibition. 

You  go  on  to  tell  us  that  the  serrrton  you  delivered 
at  that  time  was  a  lovely  thing ;  or,  "  like  its  subject, 
love ;"  to  prove  it,  you  have  directed  us  to  your  text ; 
that  it  was  1  John  iv.,  10,  11.  If  preachers  were  to 
determine  the  merit  and  worth  of  their  own  discourses, 
perhaps  we  should  have  but  few  bad  sermons.  Quo- 
ting your  text  would  have  proved  the  point,  if  it  was 
always  certain  that  if  a  man  has  a  lovely  text  he  has  a 
lovely  sermon ;  there  are  exceptions  to  this  rule. 
Many  of  your  hearers  had  a  very  different  idea  of 
your  performance  than  what  you  represent  in  your 
epistle. 

You  proceed,  further,  to  extol  the  discourse — that 
there  was  nothing  "  corrosive  against  any  name  or  de- 
nomination of  professors."  Let  me  here  observe  that, 
had  you  treated  my  name  or  the  names  of  any  denomi- 
nation of  men  with  contempt,  and  let  another  name 
alone,  you  would  never  have  heard  from  me ;  but,  sir, 
let  me  tell  you  that  there  is  a  name  which  is  above 
every  other  name;  this  is  a  name  in  comparison  of 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


107 


xvhich  your  name  and  my  name  are  of  little  worth.  If 
I  am  not  mistaken,  this  name  was  treated  by  you  with 
utmost  contempt,  as  well  as  all  .  such  as  have  a  real 
veneration  for  it.  By  this  time,  I  believe,  you  have 
my  ideas  of  your  sermon  and  of  your  conduct,  and  it 
may  be  our  ends  are  equally  answered. 

You  call  my  discourse  "  fraught  with  low  cunning.^'' 
Sir,  when  you  will  show  the  difference  between  low 
cunning  and  higli  cunning,  perhaps  I  shall  be  able  to 
determine  to  which  of  these  cunnings  your  answer  to 
such  a  piece  belongs.  You  express  great  astonish- 
ment, and  seem  to  be  filled  with  two  great  wonders — 
the  one  is,  that  I  should  ever  deliver  such  a  discourse, 
and  that  it  should  ever  come  to  you  through  the  me- 
dium of  the  press;  this  is  a  second  astonishment,  and 
that  it  should  be  done  deliberately.  iSir,  the  piece  has 
gone  through  several  editions — some  of  them  through 
my  approbation, — which  may  lead  you  on  to  a  third, 
fourth,  fifth,  or  sixth  wonder.  I  hope  you  will  never 
be  led  to  "  wo7ider  and  perish." 

You  observe,  "  Every  person  of  discernment  must 
see  that  your  design  was  personal."  But  how  came 
they  to  find  out  my  design,  or  who  was  intended  ?  It 
could  be  only  by  comparing  the  doctrine  of  the  old 
preacher  with  others.  If  men  of  discernment  could 
see  a  likeness  between  that  and  yours,  I  can  see  no 
ground  of  complaint ;  unless  it  be  that  there  are  per- 
sons of  discermnent  in  the  world  who  are  able  to 
judge  right.  Had  you  found  any  thing  said  about  the 
character  and  preaching  of  that  old  declaimer  contrary 
to  truth,  you  ought  to  have  pointed  it  out ;  or,  if  there 
is  no  similarity  between  his  sermon  and  yours,  you 
should  have  showed  it,  and  then  persons  of  discern- 
ment would  have  been  undeceived. 

You  tell  us,  page  3,  that  your  moral  character  is 
good.  Sir,  as  you  know  more  about  it  than  anybody 
else — and  are  under  peculiar  advantages  to  recommend 
it, — being  destitute  of  prejudice  and  prepossession,  I 
have  no  disposition  to  call  your  assertion  in  question. 

You  cannot  help  repeating  that  my  conduct  is  un- 


108 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


friendly,  injudicious,  unchristian-like, — inconsistent 
with  meekness,  piety,  good  works — with  solemn  ordi- 
nation— with  feeding  the  lambs  of  Christ — injurious 
to  the  cause  of  Christ — and  wounding  to  the  feelings 
of  all  the  friends  of  truth.  Sir,  men  have  very  differ- 
ent views  about  the  cause  of  God,  piety,  good  works — 
the  friends  of  tmtli — feeding  the  iambs  of  Christ,  &c. 
I  have  my  doubts  wliether  such  a  group  of  hard  cen- 
sorious expressions,  just  now  adverted  to,  is  perfectly 
consistent  with  pure  benevolence  or  attachment  to  the 
cause  of  God — with  ?neekness,  with  solemn  injunction, 
&c.  I  would  observe,  "  every  person  of  discernment" 
will  see  that  your  intention  was  to  prejudice  the  minds 
of  your  readers,  to  prepare  them  for  your  remarks,  in 
pertinency  with  your  object.  You  immediately  add, 
"  I  will  now  begin  my  reply." 

I  have  no  doubt  at  all  but  the  discourse  you  com- 
plain of,  and  my  conduct  at  the  time  of  delivery,  tended 
to  injure  what  some  may  call  the  cause  of  God,  to  cut 
or  wound  ihe  feelings  of  some,  and  did  not  afford  such 
food  as  many  are  hungering  after.  I  can  see  no  injury 
done  to  the  cause  of  God  in  giving  the  devil  his  due, 
or  in  calluig  him  a  universal  preacher,  if  he  was  one. 
Or  how  any  person's  ''feelings"  need  be  "  ivounded," 
unless  they  approve  the  doctrine,  or  can  make  it  appear 
that  he  has  repented  and  given  up  the  sentiments. 

You  proceed  to  correct  a  very  capital  error  that  my- 
self and  many  others  have  made ;  we  have  "  really 
mistaken  the  character  of  the  devil  for  that  of  the  Al- 
mighty." Wretched  mistake  !  oh,  fatal  delusion  !  that 
Satan  should  have  the  services  of  the  church  for  so 
many  ages — that  so  many  should  suffer  and  die  to  his 
glory,  trusting  to  him  to  support  them  in  death,  and 
all  their  hope  beyond  the  grave  !  How  thankful  should 
we  be  for  so  remarkable  a  light,  to  illuminate  our  dark 
world,  and  correct  the  fatal  delusion !  Generations 
passed  away  will  lament  the  tardy  rising  of  this  cheer- 
ing star,  while  posterity,  yet  unborn,  will  hail  its  ex- 
hilarating beams ! 

We  will  now  attend  to  your  "  easy  argument." 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


109 


"  If  universal  salvation  from  all  sin  and  misery  be  a 
natural  production  of  an  evil  principle,  the  natural  pro- 
duction of  a  contrary  principle  would  be  universal 
danuialion  in  sin  and  misery ;  but  if  salvation  from  sin 
be  the  work  of  (^od,  il  ought  not  to  be  ascribed  to  the 
devil  because  il  is  done  universally." 

Sir,  did  the  devil  mean  in  the  declaration,  "  Ye  shall 
not  surely  die,"  to  produce  universal  holiness  or  happi- 
ness ?  or  has  the  effect  actually  took  place  ?  You  think 
the  saying  could  not  come  from  the  devil,  because  there 
is  evil  in  all  his  operations,  and  so  could  not  produce 
good.  True — yet  he  could  promise  good  ;  but  let  men 
and  devils  preach  universal  salvation  from  all  sin  and 
miser}'  in  their  way  to  eternity,  it  never  will  produce 
the  effect,  nor  will  they  give  the  least  evidence  that  this 
is  their  design.  Satan  meant  to  lie  to  our  first  parents, 
and  encourage  sin  and  misery,  which  is  the  natural  ten- 
dency of  his  doctrine. 

To  suppose  Satan  or  iny  other  being  aims  at  univer- 
sal holiness  and  happiness  by  encouraging  men  in  sin 
or  disobedience,  is  highly  preposterous.  You  say,  "  A 
contrary  principle  would  be  universal  damnation  in  sin 
and  misery."  If  there  be  any  meaning  in  your  asser- 
tion, it  is  this — that  for  God  to  give  law  to  his  crea- 
tures, and  to  threaten  them  with  death  in  case  of  diso- 
bedience, tends  to  produce  "  universal  damnation  in  sin 
and  misery."  We  have  mistaken  the  character  of  the 
devil  for  that  of  the  Almighty.  The  soul  that  sinneth 
it  shall  die.  The  xoages  of  sin  is  death.  This  is  the 
language  of  Satan,  and  exhibits  his  character:  Thou 
sha.lt  not  surely  die.  You  shall  have  peace,  though 
you  walk  in  the  imagination  of  your  oton  heart.  Tliis, 
according  to  your  statement,  is  the  language  of  the  Al- 
mighty. Tims  you  have  corrected  a  very  capital  mis- 
take that  myself  and  many  since  the  Christian  apostacy 
have  heedlessly  run  into.  Not  only  will  students  in 
theology  derive  peculiar  advantage  by  your  improve- 
ment, but  legislators  will  feel  themselves  much  inter- 
ested in  the  discovery  :  it  will  save  them  from  annex- 
K 


110 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


ing  penalties  or  sanctions  to  laws,  as  they  tend  to  en- 
courage universal  damnation  in  sin  and  misery. 

You  pretend  to  be  at  loss  how  to  understand  or  apply 
this  expression  in  the  preface  to  my  sermon,  viz. — 
"  There  is  no  greater  folly  than  for  a  man  to  express 
anger  and  resentment  because  his  religious  sentiments 
are  attacked."  Sir,  I  have  no  doubt  but  you  perfectly 
understand  me,  yet  I  much  scruple  whether  you  have 
made  the  application  as  you  ought ;  had  it  been  the 
case,  it  would  greatly  have  altered  the  complexion  of 
your  epistle.  So  long  as  you  can  remember  that  un- 
common and  imperious  resentment  that  marred  your 
conduct  on  hearing  my  sermon  about  the  old  preacher, 
you  will  never  hesitate  about  the  matter  to  which  the 
above  remark  has  a  more  particular  reference. 

You  go  on  to  exculpate  yourself  from  boasting  that 
I  was  a  coward,  and  dare  not  dispute  with  you ;  but 
why  should  you  plead  not  guilty  before  you  was  char- 
ged with  it  ?  I  scruple  whether  your  argument  to  ex- 
onerate yourself  is  much  to  the  purpose.  You  say  you 
never  saw  me  before  ;  but  is  there  no  way  that  a  man 
may  use  menacing  language  about  another  without  see- 
ing him  ?  If  you  will  call  on  me,  I  will  endeavour  to 
produce  documents  of  a  challenge  from  you  since  our 
meeting,  though  we  have  had  no  personal  interview. 

Please  to  examine  also  the  eighth  page  of  your  epis- 
tle. I  will  pay  only  a  moment's  attention  to  the  meth- 
od you  take  to  prove  me  to  be  a  man  dishonest,  and 
destitute  of  rectitude,  or  paying  too  much  regard  to 
slander.  Your  words  are,  "  If  it  were  some  of  your 
own  parish  who  thus  charged  you  with  dishonesty,  it 
must  have  been  some  one  who  knew  your  want  of  rec- 
titude, or  by  whom  you  certainly  ought  not  to  have  con- 
sented to  be  influenced."  Sir,  I  think  you  have  cor- 
rected as  great  a  mistake  among  logicians  as  among 
divines.  This  is  your  reasoning — If  a  man  charge  an- 
other with  dishonesty,  it  is  either  true,  or,  if  not,  he 
ought  not  to  take  notice  of  it  or  deny  it ;  but  if  it  is 
a  matter  of  fact,  then  he  may  be  influenced  by  it,  and 
contradict  it.    This  sentiment  is  a  good  comment  on 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


Ill 


our  epistle.    Should  I  here  add,  "  thai  through  grace 
have  been  able  to  support  a  good  moral  character,  to 
the  acceptance  of  my  numerous  friends,"  I  fear  it  might 
excite  a  degree  of  jealousy  in  your  mind  that  I  had  loo 
soon  become  an  egotist. 

You  go  on,  and  attempt  a  vindication  of  the  charac- 
ter of  the  old  universal  preacher,  by  observing  that  he 
spoke  right  according  to  orthodox  divinity.  You  say, 
"  Will  you  contend  that  man  died  an  eternal  death  in 
the  day  of  transgression  ?  If  he  did,  he  certainly  has 
not  been  alive  since  ;  no,  nor  will  he  ever  be  again.  If 
you  say  he  did  not  die  an  eternal  death  in  the  day  of 
transgression,  you  make  out  what  the  serpent  said  to 
the  woman  was  true.  Can  any  mortal  be  so  blind  as 
not  to  see  ?"  &c.  Sir,  I  am  one  of  those  blind  mortals 
that  firmly  believe  that  the  threatening  to  our  first  pa- 
rents was  eternal  death,  and  that  the  audacious  wretcli 
told  a  horrible  lie  !  You  say,  if  I  contend  that  man  died 
an  eternal  death  in  the  day  of  transgression,  he  has  not 
been  alive  since,  nor  ever  will  be.  Sir,  it  is  true  ;  you 
reason  well.  If  eternity  contains  just  twenty-four 
hours,  and  no  more,  then  nothing  has  been  alive  since, 
nor  ever  will  be.  No  one  ever  supposed  that  the  whole 
threatening  of  the  law  was  fully  executed  in  the  mo- 
ment or  day  of  man's  fall,  or  ever  will  be  to  its  full  ex- 
tent on  the  wicked.  The  idea  is,  in  dying  he  should 
die,  or  be  liable  to,  an  eternal  death.*  Eternally  dying 
does  not  suppose  an  extinction  of  being  any  more  than 
eternally  living.  It  is  certain  that  man  did  not  actually 
die  a  temporal  death  completely  in  the  day  of  trans- 
gression. As  to  spiritual  death,  we  should  meet  with 
the  same  difficulty  as  in  etenial  death.    This  death 

♦  We  are  not  to  suppose  that  God  meant  to  fell  our  first  parents  that 
they  should  die  an  eternal  death  in  one  day,  or  that  a  space  of  time  that 
had  an  end  was  endless.  This  was  not  what  the  serpent  meant  to  deny. 
To  suppose  that,  m  order  to  have  the  threatening  true,  the  wicked  must  suf- 
fer until  eternity  has  an  end,  is  impossible  ;  and  it  would  be  as  far  from 
truth  in  any  period  of  eternity  in  this  sense,  as  their  not  dying  an  eternal 
death  in  the  first  day  of  his  apostacy.  The  idea  is,  that  they  should  be  ex- 
posed to  and  deserve  an  endless  duration  of  penal  evil,  which  in  some  de- 
gree began  m  the  day  of  transgression.  This  is  what  the  devil  meant  to 
deny. 


112 


MPE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


consists  in  sin ;  but  our  first  parents  nor  men  in  gen- 
eral have  not  all  their  evil  exercises  in  one  hour,  day, 
or  year ;  so  that  it  could  not  be  said  that  this  death  was 
executed  fully  in  the  day  of  disobedience.  We  see, 
then,  that  the  declaration  of  Satan  was  as  true,  should 
we  consider  the  threatening  in  the  Jaw  temporal  or  spir- 
itual, as  eternal  death,  since  the  threatening  was  inflict- 
ed only  in  a  partial  manner.  If  temporal  death  was 
the  thing  threatened  in  the  law,  I  again  observe  that 
believers  are  not  delivered  from  the  curse  of  the  law, 
agreeable  to  Gal.  iii.,  13.  You  pretend  to  argue  against 
my  proposition,  and  conclude  by  saying,  "  Go  which 
way  you  will,  sir,  you  are  snared  and  taken  in  your  own 
craftiness."  I  own  myself  to  be  snared  in  your  intri- 
cate reasoning.  If  any  mortal  can  sec  the  least  sense 
or  pertinency  in  your  observations,  doubtless  they  may 
profit  by  it ;  but  I  confess  I  cannot. 

The  dilference  between  universalista  and  others  is 
not  whether  all  will  be  saved  or  all  be  damned,  which 
you  seem  to  take  for  granted  in  your  remarks.  Eternal 
death  is  the  true  demerit  of  sin ;  and  for  God  to  threat- 
en any  thing  more  or  less  than  the  crime  deserves  is 
inconsistent  with  moral  rectitude.  If  the  threatening 
to  our  first  parents  was  spiritual  and  not  eternal  death, 
this  would  suppose  God  to  encourage  men  to  commit 
one  sin  to  punish  another.  The  whole  of  spiritual 
death  consists  in  sin ;  and  when  God  threatens  this  as 
a  punishment  for  the  first  sin,  it  must  suppose  an  ante- 
cedent crime  to  precede  the  first  act  of  rebellion ;  but 
this  was  holiness.  To  conclude  that  the  second,  third, 
or  fourth  act  of  transgression  was  to  testify  against  fore- 
going acts  of  wickedness,  or  spiritual  death,  would  be 
for  God  to  bear  testimony  against  one  threatening  of  his 
law  by  another  threatening  of  the  law.  Is  this  the 
common  idea  of  sanction  to  law,  to  threaten  the  mur- 
derer or  the  thief  with  further  indulgences  in  such 
crimes  ? 

In  Gal.  iii.,  13,  it  is  said,  "  Christ  hath  redeemed  us 
from  the  curse  of  the  law,  being  made  a  curse  for  us ; 
for  it  is  written,  Cursed  is  every  one  that  hangeth  on  a 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


113 


tree.''  The  idea  doubtless  is,  lliat  he  in  some  sense 
bore  the  curse  of  the  law,  in  the  room  of  all  that  be- 
lieve. Chiist  did  not  die  a  spiritual  death — that  would 
have  made  him  a  sinner ;  but  he  was  hanged  on  a  tree, 
endured  pain  and  distress.  We  are  told,  Rom.  vi.,  23, 
that  "  the  wages  of  sin  is  death."  Deatli  is  there  the 
sanction  or  penalty  of  the  law :  if  it  is  spiritual  death 
that  is  there  meant,  the  reading  would  be,  the  wages 
of  sin  is  sin.  Sir,  you  seem  to  make  a  distinction  be- 
tween sin  and  moral  death,  page  8th.  Your  words  are, 
"  Sir,  I  profess  to  believe  and  preach  universal  salvation 
from  all  sin  and  moral  death."  I  am  not  able  to  dis- 
cern the  difference  between  sin  and  moral  death,  un- 
less the  two  different  words  constitute  it.  You  thank 
God  that  his  "  gift  through  Jesus  Clirist  our  Lord  is 
even  to  those  to  whom  sin  has  proved  death."  I  con- 
clude you  mean  moral  death.  Sir,  you  have  made  am- 
ple provision  for  those  who  have  sinned,  and  it  has 
proved  sin ;  but  those  who  have  sinned,  and  it  did  not 
prove  sin,  you  have  left  without  relief. 

You  suggest,  page  3d,  that  it  is  a  good  principle  that 
holds  up  universal  salvation  from  all  sin  and  misery. 
You  profess  to  preach  universal  deliverance  from  all 
misery.  But  men  cannot  be  the  subjects  of  universal 
deliverance  from  misery  unless  they  are  exposed  to  it ; 
and  tliey  cannot  be  liable  to  it  unless  they  are  sinners  ; 
and  they  cannot  be  sinners  unless  they  violate  a  law. 
If  you  preach  deliverance  from  misery,  it  supposes  that 
men  are  subject  to  it  by  the  sanction  of  a  law,  in  con- 
sequence of  their  sin.  "  In  the  day  thou  eatest  thereof 
thou  shalt  surely  die,"  was  the  declaration  of  God  to 
our  first  parents.  The  meaning  is,  that  they  were  now 
exposed  to  eternal  misery,  or  penal  evil,  that  began  to 
take  place ;  or  that  they  were  under  the  curse  of  the 
law — that  was  the  second  death.  "  St.  Paul  says,  that 
when  the  commandment  or  law  came,  sin  revived,  and 
I  died.  That  is,  he  found  himself  dead  ;  he  found  him- 
self under  the  curse  of  the  law,  according  to  the  origi- 
nal threatening."  We  are  not  to  suppose  that  the 
whole  threatening  of  the  law  was  executed  on  our  first 
K2 


114 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


parents,  or  on  any  other  transgressor,  in  one  d.-^y,  or 
ever  can  be.  There  would  then  be  the  same  objection 
against  man's  dying  an  eternal  death,  or  against  the 
threatening  of  the  law  being  completely  executed  in 
any  period  of  eternity,  as  there  is  in  its  not  being  fully 
accomplished  in  the  very  day  of  transgression.*  The 
threatening  would  admit  of  a  substitute  in  perfect  con- 
sistency with  divine  veracity.  "When  sentence  is  passed 
against  a  criminal  that  he  must  surely  die,  yet,  if  there 
can  be  a  way  found  out  that  will  equally  secure  the  dig- 
nity of  the  commonwealth  without  his  death,  all  will 
justify  the  legislator  in  pardoning  the  offender ;  yet  it 
Avas  proper  to  say,  that  in  the  day  of  his  trial,  according 
lo  the  sanctions  of  the  law,  or  verdict  of  the  court,  he 
was  a  dead  man.  It  was  the  design  of  God,  in  threat- 
ening our  first  parents,  to  secure  the  honour  and  dignity 
of  his  character  and  government;  and  if  this  can  be 
done  as  well  or  better  by  accepting  a  substitute,  who 
dare  call  his  truth  or  veracity  in  question  ?  We  are  in- 
formed by  the  sacred  pages  that  this  is  the  case — that, 
through  the  Mediator,  God  can  now  be  just  to  himself 
and  the  universe,  and  yet  justify  him  that  believeth  in 
Jesus,  Rom.  iii.,  26.  But  such  as  continue  in  unbelief 
and  do  not  embrace  the  Mediator,  remain  in  a  state  of 
condemnation,  and  must  feel  the  wages  of  sin,  that  is, 
eternal  death. 

In  page  6th  you  observe,  "  In  order  for  you  to  be 
duly  prepared  to  make  these  assertions"  (viz.,  how 
God  feels  towards  sin),  "you  ought  at  least  to  possess 
a  complete  knowledge  of  the  whole  nature  of  sin,  cause 

*  "  The  threatening  expresses  two  things,  viz.,  the  certainty  of  the  pun- 
ishment, as  infallibly  connected  with  transgression  ;  and  that  the  penalty 
should  follow  on  one  or  the  first  act  of  rebellion.  We  find  much  the  same 
language  to  express  one  or  both  these  ;  and  not  that  the  threatening  should 
be  immediately  'fully'  executed  on  the  day  the  crime  was  committed. 
Ezek.  xxxiii.,  12,  13.  See  also  1  Krags  ii.,  37.  'For  it  shall  be  that  ore 
the  day  that  thou  goest  out,  and  passest  over  the  brook  Kidron,  thou  shall 
know  for  certain  that  thou  shalt  surely  die.'  This  does  not  mean  that  he 
should  die  on  the  same  day  in  which  he  should  pass  over  Kidron  ;  but  that 
he  should  certainly  be  put  to  death  for  the  offence  without  a  further  trial." 
— Dr.  Hopkins's  System,  vol.  1.,  p.  307.  Those  who  wish  to  see  the  sub- 
ject largely  and  clearly  illustrated,  are  desired  to  consult  the  Dr.  on  the 
point. 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


115 


and  consequences,  and  all  the  feelings  of  God  towards 
it,  and  also  the  fulness  of  his  wisdom  and  knowledge,  or 
you  could  not  with  any  propriety  have  limited  the  Holy 
One  of  Israel  to  that  single  point."  Sir,  can  we  never 
know  that  God  hates  sin,  without  comprehending  all 
sin,  in  its  nature  and  consequences,  and  the  fulness  and 
wisdom  of  Deity  ?  If  a  man  must  have  so  much  knowl- 
edge to  know  whether  God  hates  sin,  I  would  ask,  in 
my  turn,  how  much  must  one  have  to  deny  it  ?  It  seems 
that  by  some  means  you  have  obtained  so  much  infor- 
mation as  to  know  that  God  has  not  an  inhnite  dissatis- 
faction or  hatred  towards  sin.  I  would  reply,  that  God 
must  have  an  infinite  hatred  towards  it,  or  a  finite 
hatred,  or  no  hatred  at  all.  If  God  has  only  a  finite 
hatred  towards  sin,  then  he  is  a  finite  being : — then  why 
are  you  puzzled  to  know  how  I  came  to  judge  of  the 
feelings  of  the  Holy  One  of  Israel  ?  Cannot  one  finite 
being  judge  of  the  feelings  of  another  finite  being  ?  If 
God  has  no  hatred  towards  sin,  why  that  compassion- 
ate exclamation,  page  10,  "0,  may  God  forgive  you 
this  folly,  and  lay  not  this  sin  to  your  charge  ?" 

You  admire  at  my  retentive  memory  in  attempt- 
ing to  tell  what  Satan  meant  to  preach  almost  six  thou- 
sand years  ago.  "  Either  I  must  exist  in  some  sort  of 
animal  in  the  days  of  Adam,  and  been  conversant  with 
the  serpent,  or  do  it  by  transmigration  or  conjuration.^'' 
Sir,  did  you  find  out  what  the  serpent  did  not  preach  in 
this  way  ?  Is  there  no  other  way  to  obtain  ideas  ? 
How  shall  we  understand  your  epistle  ? — we  were  not 
with  you  when  you  wrote  it.  Must  we  understand  it  by 
transmigration  and  conjuration  ?  Was  it  from  these 
sources  that  it  derived  so  many  new  and  valuable 
ideas  ? 

You  ask,  page  8,  "  Did  you,  sir,  ever  meet  with  the 
idea  in  any  of  the  universalian  authors,  that  the  wages 
of  sin  is  eternal  life  ?"  Yes,  sir,  I  think  I  have,  in  the 
first  universalian  author  or  preacher.  His  words  are, 
"  Ye  shall  not  surely  die.  In  the  day  ye  eat  thereof, 
then  your  eyes  shall  be  opened,  and  ye  shall  be  as  gods, 
knowing  good  and  evil."    Now  what  can  be  more  ex- 


116 


LIFE  AND  CHABACTER  OF 


press  ? — they  should  have  their  eyes  open,  and  know 
good  and  evil  ;  this  surely  supposes  life  ;  dead  people 
do  not  have  their  eyes  open,  &c. 

But  you  will  have  it  that  I  mean  you,  and  mean  to 
stigmatize  you  and  others.  But,  sir, — don't  be  offended 
— how  came  you  to  discern  that  you  was  intended  ? — 
was  it  done  by  transmigration  or  conjuration  ? 

"  To  transmigrate  cannot  be  right, 
Since  'tis  so  great  an  evil ; 
And  he  that  conjures  out  of  sight 
Must  conjure  with  the  devil." 

In  seeing  you  insist  so  much  that  I  mean  you,  and 
not  the  old  preacher,  brought  to  my  mind  the  following 
anecdote :  As  a  man  was  writing  to  his  friend,  a  by- 
stander looked  over  his  shoulder  all  the  time,  which  led 
him  to  conclude  in  the  following  manner — "  Sir,  I  should 

have  sent  you  a  much  longer  epistle,  but  has  been 

all  the  time  looking  over  my  shoulder."  The  by-stander 
exclaimed,  "  'Tis  false  !  I  have  not  looked  over  you, 
nor  do  I  know  a  single  word  you  have  wrote  !" 

You  proceed  to  ask  me  questions,  to  which  you 
doubtless  expect  answers.  "  Do  you  expect  to  be  look- 
ed upon  as  an  honest  man,  and  to  be  treated  as  a  gentle- 
man, while  you  studiously  represent  the  devil  as  a 
universal  preacher  ?"  Ans.  If  I  never  meet  with  re- 
spect, and  be  looked  upon  as  an  honest  man,  and  have 
genteel  treatment,  till  I  desist  from  esteeming  and  rep- 
resenting the  devil  a  universal  preacher,  I  am  confident 
I  shall  never  receive  such  treatment.  I  hope  never  to 
court  genteel  treatment  at  the  expense  of  Divine  truth. 
Should  any  "  persons  of  discernment"  view  themselves 
implicated  by  the  sentiment,  and  have  their  genteel 
feelings  wounded,  who  is  to  blame  ? 

You  ask  again,  "  Will  your  low  cunning  support  you 
long  in  the  estimation  of  enlightened  people  ?"  Ans. 
When  I  receive  your  definition  of  high  cunning  and 
low  cunning,  and  who  you  mean  by  enlightened  peo- 
ple, I  shall  be  able  to  reply. 

My  querist  proceeds,  "  Have  you  not  already  prac- 
tised this  mischief  of  misrepresentation  to  your  dam- 


REV.  LEMUEL  HATNES. 


117 


age  in  your  own  parish  ?"  Ans.  When  the  old  preacher 
complains  regularly  of  misrepresentation,  and  proves 
the  charge,  I  stand  ready,  according  to  former  promise, 
to  retract,  and  give  the  devil  his  due. 

Further,  you  ask,  "  How  far  abroad  do  you  wish  to 
have  yourself  known  to  be  a  person  who  can  so  easily 
descend  to  unjust  measures  to  carry  a  bad  design  into 
effect  ?"  By  unjust  measures^  and  bad  design,  I  con- 
clude you  mean  my  opposition  to  the  universal  preach- 
er. Ans.  So  far  as  the  old  gentleman's  abihty  and  in- 
fluence extend. 

Sir,  you  seem  to  be  full  of  questions.  You  ask 
again,  "  Will  you  represent  all  those  who  enter  your 
parish  to  preacli  Christ,  and  him  crucified,  to  be  the 
servants  of  the  devil  ?"  Ans.  No,  sir,  none  but  those 
who  are  sent  by  him,  and  preach  like  him,  "  Ye  shall 
not  surely  die." 

Again,  "  You  will  not  contend  that  universalism 
ought  to  be  rejected  merely  because  it  is  an  ancient 
doctrine  ?"  Ans.  No,  sir,  but  because  it  is  a  dcviUsh 
doctrine. 

Since  it  seems  so  fashionable  to  ask  questions,  if  it 
would  comport  with  modesty,  I  would  ask  a  few. 
How  came  you  to  suggest,  page  8,  that  I  dare  not  con- 
tend with  you  on  fair  ground  ?  Is  that  the  first  repre- 
sentation of  this  kind  you  have  made  ?  If  such  boast-, 
ing  is  natural  to  you,  why  do  you  Xxy  to  exculpate  your- 
self from  any  thing  of  this  sort  in  page  4  ?  Sir,  you 
well  remember,  that  when  we  delivered  our  sermons, 
I  opened  the  door  for  a  public  discussion :  I  told  you 
and  the  congregation  my  objections  against  your  dis- 
course ;  I  believe  the  greater  part  of  the  people  present 
were  of  your  sentiment,  but  you  wholly  neglected  to 
dispute  with  me.  Was  not  this  an  offer  to  meet  you 
on  fair  and  open  f^round  ? 

Some  months  after  you  wrote  me  a  challenge — to  ap- 
point a  day  for  a  public  combat,  to  choose  a  committee, 
or  seconds,  to  see  if  we  fought  fairly  ; — I  then  told  you 
that  I  viewed  it  inconsistent  with  Christian  modesty 
and  decency  for  you  to  make  the  challenge,  and  for 


118 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


me  to  comply.  I  am  still  of  the  same  opinion.  Had  I 
complied  with  your  request,  and  called  the  people  to- 
gether to  hear  us  debate,  I  had  reason  to  believe  that 
you  would  not  have  engaged  in  the  controversy,  as 
you  had  utterly  refused  on  a  much  more  favourable 
opportunity.  With  what  face  then  can  you  repeatedly 
observe,  that  I  "  dare  not  contend  with  you  on  fair  and 
open  ground  ?"  When  you  are  disposed  to  repeat  the 
assertion  among  strangers,  please  to  show  them  my 
written  reply  to  your  challenge,  and  they  will  find  out 
the  truth. 

Another  question  I  wish  to  ask  you  is.  How  came 
you  to  know  so  much  about  the  people  of  my  parish  ? 
You  are  often  mentioning  them.  You  have  preached 
among  them  a  few  times — but  you  are  sensible  you 
never  saw  many  of  them  on  such  occasions,  and  it  is 
very  possible  you  never  will.  If  you  had  left  conju- 
ration out  of  your  epistle,  I  should  have  many  doubts 
whether  you  knew  nuich  about  them. 

In  page  9th  you  have  the  following  threats  :  "  Go 
on,  then,  and  meet  the  certain  consequences ;  and, 
should  you  persist  in  your  present  line  of  conduct  a  little 
longer,  I  don't  think  you  will  believe  the  consequences 
of  sin  to  be  altogether  in  another  world."  Sir,  where 
is  your  benevolence  '  have  you  forgot  your  lovely  ser- 
.mon,  that  had  nothing  "  corrosive  V  Will  you  tor- 
ment your  fellow-creatures  before  the  time,  and  fill  the 
mind  with  forebodings  of  some  dreadful  event,  nor 
even  suggest  what  it  is  ?  Whether  it  is  to  consist  in 
assassination,  confiscation,  transmigration,  or  conjura- 
tion ? 

You  tell  us  that  universal  salvation  was  preached  by 
God  "  when  he  promised  that  the  seed  of  the  woman 
should  bruise  the  serpent's  head.  He  preached  it  by 
the  bow  in  the  cloud  to  Noah.  He  preached  it  by 
promise  to  Abraham,  saying,  In  thy  seed  shall  all  na- 
tions of  the  earth  be  blessed.  He  preached  it  to  Isaac, 
and  Jacob,"  &c.  Here  I  must  say,  almost  in  the  lan- 
guage of  a  late  writer,*  "  You  are  possessed  of  the 


*  Mr.  Ballou's  Epistle,  pages  7,  8, 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES, 


119 


most  retentive  memory  of  any  person  I  ever  heard  of, 
or  else  you  are  the  most  extraordinary  conjm-er  the 
earth  has  ever  produced.  Either  you  must  liave  exist- 
ed in  some  sort  of  animal  in  the  days  of  Adam,  Noah, 
Isaac,  and  Jacob,  &;c.,  who  perhaps  in  confidence 
told  you  their  whole  plan  and  meaning,  or  by  the 
laws  of  transmigration  you  have  come  to  be  what  you 
now  are,  and  retain  all  those  things  still  in  perfect 
memory,  or  you  must  have  made  the  discovery  by 
conjuration.  When  a  professed  minister  of  the  gospel 
undertakes  to  tell  what  those  meant  who  talked  almost 
six  thousand  years  ago — in  order  to  estabhsh  a  certain 
doctrine,  for  which  he  is  unable  to  bring  any  Scripture 
evidence, — he  ought  not  to  complain  if  he  sees  his  own 
ridicule  justly  falling  on  his  own  head." 

You  have  quoted  a  few  texts  to  prove  universal  sal- 
vation, but  have  not  shown  their  pertinency  to  your 
point.  I  shall  not  therefore  attend  to  them.  To  me 
they  do  not  appear  to  approve  your  doctrine  any  more 
than  if  you  had  directed  us  to  Num.  xxii.,  30. 

You  observe  that,  "  If  universalism  should  still  pre- 
vail, it  would  be  an  evidence  that  it  is  true,"  page  1 1 . 
Sir,  has  not  a  contrary  doctrine  prevailed  for  ages,  and 
does  it  not  continue  so  to  do  ?  Would  not  your  propo- 
sition prove  loo  much  for  you  ?  Could  you  prove  that 
the  doctrine  always  will  prevail,  your  reasoning  or  text 
would  be  in  point. 

The  poem  subjoined  to  my  sermon  seems  to  disturb 
you  on  account  of  its  obscenity.  I  have  examined 
every  verse,  line,  word,  and  letter,  and  I  can  find  noth- 
ing that  tends  to  uncleanliness,  moral  impurity,  or  licen- 
tiousness, unless  you  esteem  the  title  or  subject  of  the 
hymn  so.  I  cannot  see  that,  in  this  respect,  it  tends 
to  looseness  and  impurity  any  more  than  the  doctrine 
in  the  text,  "  And  the  serpent  said  unto  the  woman, 
Ye  shall  not  surely  die."  Is  the  poem  more  obscene 
than  this  ?    Let  us  compare  one  verse. 

"  Fear  not  to  sin,  till  death  shall  close  your  eyes, 
Live  as  you  please,  yours  is  the  immortal  prize — 
Old  Serpent,  hail  !  thou  mad'st  a  just  reply 
To  mother  Eve, '  Ye  shall  not  surely  die  !' " 


120 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


You  say  the  burden  of  the  poem  is  to  convey  an  idea 
that  universaUsts  suppose  all  manner  of  vile  characters 
will  be  received  to  the  enjoyment  of  everlasting  happi- 
ness, without  being  cleansed  from  moral  defilement. 
Sir,  the  poem  supposes,  and  I  pretend  to  make  others 
believe,  that  universalists  preach,  that  if  men  lie,  mur- 
der, steal,  commit  adultery,  kill  themselves,  &c.,  yet 
they  will  finally  escape  hell,  and  be  eternally  happy. 
This  I  own  to  be  the  burden  of  the  poem — and  this 
is  the  burden  of  universahsm — and  the  doctrine  ought 
to  be  a  burden,  and  a  great  burden,  to  all  who  love 
God  and  the  souls  of  men,  because  it  confronts  every 
dictate  of  Scripture  and  common  sense.  We  do  not 
suppose  you,  or  any  other  preacher,  tell  people  they 
will  go  to  heaven  in  their  sins — this  would  be  so  gla- 
ring that  even  Satan  would  not  preach  so — but  to  tell 
sinners  that  they  shall  all  finally  be  saved  from  sin  and 
misery  is  going  contrary  to  Scripture,  and  encouraging 
men  in  transgression.  You  add,  "  I  will  not  pretend 
to  say  that  such  characters  as  yourself  may  not  have 
caused  some  uninformed  persons  to  believe  that  uni- 
versalists held  to  such  absurdities — I  do  not  believe 
you  have  that  idea  yourself,  and  why  should  you  wish 
to  deceive  ?  you  must  be  accountable."  Sir,  I  would 
just  inquire,  if  the  character  you  have  given  me  in 
your  epistle  be  a  just  one,  why  did  you  depart  from 
the  rule  you  prescribe  in  page  5,  where  you  reprove 
me  for  being  influenced  by  such  as  do  not  speak  the 
truth  ?  You  say  it  is  among  uninformed  persons  that 
I  am  believed.  It  appears  by  your  writing  that  you 
are  not  among  those  uninformed  persons.  We  never 
had  but  one  personal  interview.  I  preached  a  short 
sermon  before  you,  which  the  public  are  acquainted 
with.  You  refused  to  say  a  word  to  me,  or  answer  a 
single  question  ;  yet  your  information  is  so  great  that 
you  are  able  to  say  just  what  you  please.  How  far 
your  peculiar  wisdom  and  skill  [conjuration]  may  serve 
to  exculpate  you,  is  not  for  me  to  say,  as  I  am  ignorant 
of  it. 

Nothing  can  appear  more  evident  than  that  the  meas- 
ures you  have  taken  to  vindicate  the  character  of  the 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


121 


old  preaclier  indicate  liis  cause  not  to  be  the  best,  and 
that  it  will  need  auxiliaries  of  a  very  different  nature 
to  support  it,  or  it  must  fall  to  the  groimd. 

You  say  you  have  published  a  treatise  on  atonement, 
which  you  think  is  unanswerable.  An  encomium  from 
another  quarter  mir^iil  have  been  a  little  more  accepta- 
ble. I  have  read  the  piece,  and  have  a  very  different 
idea  of.  it.  By  the  leave  of  Providence,  perhaps  you 
and  the  public  will  know  my  mind  more  fully  about  it 
before  long. 

See  that  you  do  not  preach  for  filthy  lucre ;  we  are 
very  prone  to  be  caught  in  this  snare.  "  Good  advice 
can  do  you  no  harm." 

I  close  with  a  word  of  advice. 

Reverend  sir — You  tell  me  "  in  the  fear  of  God  that 
you  are  not  an  enemy  lo  me  or  any  other  person ;" 
that  you  wish  me  happiness,  &c.  But  why  need  you 
tell  me  this  ?  I  have  just  been  reading  your  benevolent 
epistle.  You  say,  "  Good  advice  can  do  me  no  harm." 
Sir,  I  think  it  has  not.  Perhaps  you  esteem  me  a 
debtor  to  you  for  your  very  friendly  admonition,  "  good 
advice  can  do  you  no  harm."  Beware  of  challenging 
others  to  dispute  with  you,  and  boasting  that  they  "dare 
not  contend  with  you  on  fair  and  open  ground"  (Epis- 
tle, p.  8X  and  that  you  "want  to  find  an  antagonist" 
(Epistle,  p.  5).  Should  you  ever  be  overtaken  in  this 
matter,  don't  deny  it.  "  Good  advice  can  do  you  no 
harm."  Beware  of  pomposity ;  we  should  caiTy  low 
sails  on  this  tempestuous  sea.  "  Good  advice  can  do 
you  no  harm."  Learn  to  distinguish  between  benevo- 
lence and  malevolence,  and  make  no  great  pretence  to 
the  former  unless  you  are  pretty  confident  you  have  it 
and  act  it  out.    "  Good  advice  can  do  you  no  harm." 

In  your  next  epistle,  should  you  find  nothing  to  em- 
ploy your  pen  about  but  personal  invective  and  matters 
that  you  know  nothing  about,  try,  according  to  your 
promise,  to  use  a  ''UIp-  more  candour,  and  not  be  quite 
so  unmerciful.  "  Gooa  advice  can  do  you  no  harm." 
Sir,  your  humble  servant, 

Lemvel  Haynes. 


128 


LIFE  A^D  CHARACTER  OF 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

ORIGINAL  ANECDOTES. 

"  Happily  to  steer 
From  grave  to  gay,  from  lively  to  severe." 

Truth  requires  that  this  part  of  Mr.  Haynes's  pecu- 
har  character  should  not  be  suppressed.  It  will  be 
evidently  difficult  for  those  who  were  not  acquainted 
with  this  eccentric  and  extraordinary  man,  to  see  the 
consistency  of  his  very  free  indulgence  in  wit,  with  a 
uniform  and  pervading  piety.  In  the  view,  how^ever,  of 
those  who  were  intimately  acquainted  with  him,  it  did 
not  detract  either  from  his  Christian  or  ministerial  char- 
acter. It  seemed  to  come  unbidden,  and  unaccompanied 
by  levity,  its  usual  companion.  Though  we  may  dep- 
recate every  attempt  by  others  to  imitate  this  qual- 
ity of  his  mind,  yet  any  view  of  his  character  which 
does  not  embrace  it  will  be  evidently  incomplete. 
Moreover,  it  is  thought  by  those  who  best  knew  the  cir- 
cumstances of  his  location,  the  cunning  and  obtrusive 
skepticism,  the  bold  and  blasphemous  infidelity,  with 
which  the  region  was  infested,  that  this  talent  gave  him 
an  influence  which  could  not  otherwise  have  been  ac- 
quired, and  which  inspired  the  ranks  of  infidelity  with 
alarm  at  his  approach. 


He  went  one  evening  into  a  store  where  ardent 
spirits  were  drunk  as  well  as  sold.  In  his  pleasant 
manner  he  addressed  the  company,  "  How  d'ye  do  ? — 


REV.  LEMUEL  HATNES. 


123 


how  do  you  all  do  here  ?"  The  merchant,  willing  to 
jest  a  httle,  replied — "  Oh  !  not  more  than  half  drunk." 
"  Well,  well,"  said  jNIr.  Haynes,  "  I  am  glad  there's  a 
reformation  begiinP 


When  a  revival  of  religion  was  in  progress  in  his 
parish,  and  Satan  gave  intimations  of  dissatisfaction 
(as  he  is  wont  to  do  at  such  times),  some  of  his  stu- 
dents having  been  slandered  for  their  zeal  and  activity, 
made  their  complaints  to  him  of  what  they  had  suffered, 
and  expected  his  s}nnpathy  and  protection.  After  a 
pause,  Mr.  Haynes  observed,  "I  knew  all  this  before." 
"  Why,  then,"  said  one,  "  did  you  not  inform  us  ?" 
"  Because,"  said  he,  "  it  was  not  worth  communicating ; 
and  I  now  tell  you  plainly,  and  once  for  all,  my  young 
friends,  it  is  best  to  let  the  devil  carry  his  own  mail, 
and  bear  its  expenses." 


It  is  said  that  some  time  after  the  publication  of  his 
sermon  on  the  text,  "  Thou  shalt  not  surely  die,"  two 
reckless  young  men  having  agreed  together  to  ity  his 
wit,  one  of  them  said — "Father  Haynes,  have  you 
heard  the  good  news  ?" — "  No,"  said  Mr.  Haynes, 
"  what  is  it  ?" — "  It  is  great  news,  indeed,"  said  the 
other,  "  and,  if  true,  tjour  busmess  is  done." — "  What 
is  it  ?"  again  inquired  Mr.  Haynes.  "  Why,"  said  the 
first,  "  the  devil  is  dead."  In  a  moment  the  old  gentle- 
man replied,  lifting  up  both  his  hands  and  placing  them 
on  the  heads  of  the  young  men,  and  in  a  tone  of  solemn 
concern,  "  Oh,  poor  fatherless  children !  what  will  be- 
come of  you?" 


124 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


Mr.  Haynes  was  a  strong  advocate  for  an  educated 
ministry,  and  often  expressed  his  great  regret  that  he 
had  not  enjoyed  the  inestimable  privilege  of  a  regular 
course  of  study.  A  young  clergyman,  in  conversation 
on  this  subject,  sincerely  remarked,  that  he  thought 
ministers  without  learning  succeed  well,  and  that  igno- 
rant ones  usually  do  the  best.  "  Wont  you  tell  me, 
then,  sir,"  said  Mr.  Haynes,  "  how  much  ignorance  is 
necessary  to  make  an  eminent  preacher  ?" 


"An  important  political  office  was  to  be  filled  in 
Vermont,"  says  a  respected  correspondent,  "  and  two 
candidates  were  before  the  people,  both  of  whom  were 
avowed  and  open  infidels,  and  rather  notoriously  such. 
These  being  the  favourites  of  the  two  political  parties, 
serious  people  felt  embarrassed,  and  many  withheld  their 
votes.  On  the  day  of  election,  when  the  people  were 
thronging  to  the  polls,  Mr.  Haynes,  being  a  resident  in 

the  same  county,  had  occasion  to  pass  through  B  , 

and  made  me  a  friendly  call.  As  he  rode  up  to  the  door, 
I  met  him  with  the  cheerfulness  and  pleasure  which  his 
presence  was  apt  to  inspire  ;  and  feeling  curious  to 
know  his  impressions  in  regard  to  the  all-absorbing 
question  of  the  day,  and  willing  also  to  try  his  wit,  I 
said,  as  I  took  him  by  the  hand,  '  Well,  Father  Haynes, 

did  you  put  in  your  vote  for    before  you  left 

home?' — 'No;'  he  replied,  without  the  least  embar- 
rassment or  surprise, — '  No ; — when  there  are  two  can- 
didates up,  and  one  is  Satan  and  t'other  the  Old  Boy,  I 
don't  think  it  is  much  object  to  vote.'" 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNE8. 


125 


Mr.  Hayncs  was  quite  remarkable  for  his  catholic 
spirit  towards  Christians  of  all  orthodox  denominations. 
As  a  matter  of  course,  they  reciprocated  his  brotherly 
kindness.  If  occasion  required,  he  could,  without 
seeming  to  give  the  least  offence,  by  a  single  brilliant 
stroke,  allay  every  tendency  to  disputation.  An  elder 
of  high  respectability,  of  the  Baptist  denomination,  thus 
accosted  him : — "  Brother  Haynes,  I  love  you  much,  and 
I  can  cheerfully  give  you  the  right  hand  of  fellowship, 
both  as  a  Christian  and  a  gospel  minister ;  but  I  want 
you  to  follow  Christ  down  the  banks  of  Jordan." — "  0," 
said  he,  "  I  am  an  old  man,  and  the  banks  of  Jordan 
are  a  great  way  off." — "  You  misunderstand  me,"  repli- 
ed the  elder ;  "  here  is  the  creek  close  by — what  hinders 

you  to  be  baptized  ?" — "  Oh,  Brother  ,"  said  Mr. 

Haynes,  "  that  is  not  Jordan, — that  is  Otter  Creek." 


A  minister  having  had  his  house  burnt,  and  stating 
the  circumstances  of  the  event  to  Mr.  Haj'nes,  he  added, 
that  most  of  his  manuscript  sermons  were  consumed 
with  the  building.    Mr.  Haynes  rephed — "  Don't  you 

think.  Brother  ,  they  gave  more  light  from  the 

fire  than  they  ever  gave  from  the  pulpit  ?" 


A  young  man  who  had  embraced  the  doctrine  of 
universal  salvation  requested  an  introduction  to  Mr. 
Ha^Ties,  for  the  purpose  of  asking  some  questions  on 
certain  points  of  doctrine,  when  the  following  dialogue 
passed  between  them  : — 

UniversaUst. . "  I  understand,  sir,  that  you  hold  that 
L2 


126 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


God  has  decreed  all  things  that  come  to  pass,  and  that 
he  has  elected  some  from  all  eternity." 
Mr.  H.  "  Well,  what  then  ?" 

U.  "  If  God  has  decreed  all  things,  I  think  it  unjust 
for  him  lo  damn  men  for  doing  wrong,  when  it  was  de- 
creed, and  they  couldn't  help  it." 

Mr.  H.  "  I  should  like  to  know  what  you  hold  about 
it." 

U.  "  I  hold,  sir,  that  God  has  decreed  to  save  all 
men." 

Mr.  H.  "  Well,  well,  upon  your  principles  none  can 
he  saved — for  if  decrees  destroy  free  agency,  so  that 
men  canH  be  sinful  and  go  to  hell,  they  destroy  free 
agency  so  that  they  can't  be  holy  and  go  to  heaven." 

A  physician  in  a  contiguous  town,  of  rather  libertine 
principles,  in  removing  to  the  western  country,  arrived 
in  West  Rutland  with  a  retinue  of  his  friends.  Mr. 
Haynes,  seeing  the  doctor  drive  up  and  call  at  the  pub- 
lic house,  immediately  went  there  lo  give  him  and  his 
family  the  parting  farewell.  After  the  exchange  of  sal- 
utations, Mr.  Haynes  said  to  him,  "  Why,  doctor,  I  was 
not  aware  that  you  expected  to  leave  this  part  of  the 
country  so  soon.  I  am  owing  you  a  small  account, 
which  ought  to  have  been  cancelled  before.  I  have  not 
the  money,  but  I  will  go  and  borrow  it  immediately," 
The  doctor  replied  that  he  must  have  all  his  affairs  set- 
tled, as  he  expected  never  to  return  to  this  part  of  the 
country.  Mr.  Haynes,  as  he  went  out  to  borrow  the 
money,  was  called  back  by  the  doctor,  who  had  previ- 
ously made  out  a  receipt  in  full,  which  he  gave  to  him, 
saying,  "  Here,  Mr.  Haynes,  is  a  discharge  of  your  ac- 
count ;  you  have  been  a  faithful  servant  here  for  a  long 


REV.  LEMUEL  IIAYNES. 


127 


time,  and  received  but  small  support ;  I  give  you  tlie 
debt."  Mr.  Haynes  thanked  him  very  cordially,  ex- 
pressing a  willingness  to  pay;  when  the  doctor  added, 
"But,  Mr.  Haynes,  you  must  pray  for  me,  and  make 
me  a  good,  7nan."  Mr.  Haynes  quickly  replied,  "  Why, 
doctor,  I  think  I  had  much  better  pay  the  debt." 

As  he  providentially  met  a  clergyman  who  had  re- 
cently returned  from  a  tour  in  the  northern  part  of  the 
state,  preaching  false  and  pernicious  doctrines,  he  said 
to  him,  "You  have  been  out  on  a  preaching  tour,  I  un- 
derstand ;  and  what  success  do  you  meet  with  ?" — "  O, 
good  success,  sir,  very  good  success — great  success," 
replied  the  clergyman ;  "  the  devil  himself  can  never 
destroy  such  a  cause."  Mr.  Haynes  instantly  replied, 
"  You  need  not  be  concerned — he  will  never  try." 

The  late  Royal  Tyler,  chief  justice  of  Vermont, 
when  on  his  circuit  at  Rutland,  frequently  spent  an  even- 
ing with  Mr.  Haynes,  of  whose  talents  and  principles 
he  ever  e.\pressed  himself  in  terms  of  the  highest  ad- 
miration. He  often  entertained  his  family  and  friends, 
on  his  return  home,  with  anecdotes,  strikingly  illustra- 
tive of  Mr.  Haynes's  quickness  of  perception  and  reply. 
The  two  following  will  furnish  a  specimen  : — 
Happening  one  day  to  pass  by  the  open  door  of  a 
room  where  his  daughters  and  some  young  friends  were 
assembled,  he  thought,  from  what  he  overheard,  they 
were  making  too  free  with  the  characters  of  their 
neighbours;  and  after  their  visiters  had  departed  he 
gave  his  children  a  lecture  on  the  sinfulness  of  scandal. 
They  answered,  "But,  father,  what  shall  we  talk 


128 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


about  ?  We  must  talk  of  something." — "  If  you  can 
do  nothing  else,"  said  he,  "  get  a  pumpkin  and  roll  it 
about ;  that  will  at  least  be  innocent  diversion."  A 
short  time  afterward  an  association  of  ministers  met  at 
his  house,  and  during  the  evening  discussions  upon 
some  points  of  Christian  doctrine  were  earnest,  and  their 
voices  were  so  loud  as  to  indicate  the  danger  of  losing 
the  Christian  temper ;  when  his  eldest  daughter,  over- 
hearing them,  procured  a  pumpkin,  entered  the  room, 
gave  it  to  her  father,  and  said,  "  There,  father,  roll  it 
about,  roll  it  about."  Mr.  Haynes  was  obliged  to  ex- 
plain, and  good-humour  was  instantly  restored. 


A  clergyman  of  a  neighbouring  parish  had  persisted 
for  some  years  in  remaining  a  bachelor,  contrary  to  the 
wishes  of  his  people.  When  urged  by  them  to  marry, 
he  put  them  off  on  various  pretences  :  he  must  first  get 
him  a  house,  enlarge  his  library,  &c.  &c.  But  when 
all  these  things  were  accomplished,  and  he  seemed  as 
much  indisposed  as  ever,  they  became  impatient,  and 
sent  a  deputation  to  Mr.  Haynes,  desiring  him  to  per- 
suade the  doctor  to  get  married.  Mr.  Haynes  there- 
fore called  upon  him,  and  urged  him  to  comply  with 
the  wishes  of  his  parishioners,  saying  that  he  could  not 
feel  that  sympathy  in  their  joys  and  sorsows  which  he 
would  if  he  had  a  family  of  his  own.  The  clergyman 
replied  that  he  felt  the  force  of  his  remarks,  and  was 
disposed  to  think  of  the  subject  seriously ;  adding,  very 
emphatically,  "  I  understand,  Mr.  Haynes,  that  you  have 
some  very  fine  daughters."  Mr.  Haynes  instantly  re- 
plied, "  I  have  sympathy  for  you  and  your  parishioners ; 
but,  really,  I  have  taken  great  pains  to  educate  my 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


129 


dauglilers,  and  miicli  care  to  prepare  them  for  useful- 
ness, and  I  liate  to  throw  ihcm  away." 

"  The  last  time  tliat  I  saw  Mr.  Haynes,"  says  a  re- 
spected correspondent,  "was  attiie  General  Convention 
at  Charlotte,  in  the  fall  of  1825  ;  when,  taking  my  hand, 
he  said,  '  They  say  you  are  making  a  book — be  you  V 
*  Trying  to  do  a  little  something  at  it,'  I  replied. 
'  Well,'  said  he,  '  you  have  just  as  good  a  right  as  those 
that  know  how.^ " 

Mr.  Haynes  being  invited  to  solemnize  a  marriage  in 
a  neighbouring  town,  and  having  completed  the  cere- 
mony, the  young  and  rather  ignorant  bridegroom  said  to 
him,  "  What,  sir,  is  your  usual  compensation  ?"  Mr. 
Haynes  humorously  replied,  "  This  depends  entirely 
upon  the  parlies ;  if  they  are  promising  and  respecta- 
ble, we  of  course  receive  a  liberal  reward ;  but  if  they 
are  what  we  call  poor  things,  but  little  is  expected."  A 
munificent  marriage  fee  was  instantly  presented. 


As  Mr.  Haynes  was  travelling  in  the  State  of  Ver- 
mont, he  fell  in  company  with  a  person  of  infidel  prin- 
ciples. He  soon  discovered  himself  to  be  an  unprin- 
cipled scoffer  at  religion.  In  the  course  of  conversa- 
tion he  demanded  of  Mr.  Haynes  what  evidence  he  had 
for  believing  the  Bible.  "Why,  sir,"  answered  Mr. 
Haynes,  "  the  Bible,  which  was  written  more  than  a 
thousand  years  ago,  informs  me  that  I  should  meet  just 
such  a  man  as  yourself." — "  But  how  can  you  show 
that?"  returned  the  caviller.  "Why,  sir,  the  Bible 
says,  2d  Pet.  iii.,  3,  *  In  the  last  days  scoffers  shall 
come,  walking  after  their  own  lusts.' " 


130 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


CHAPTER  IX. 

INGENIOUS  REMARKS  ON  PASSAGES  OF  SCRIPTURE, 

Matt,  xxiii.,  35. — "  That  upon  you  may  come  all 
the  righteous  blood  shed  upon  the  earth,  from  the 
blood  of  righteous  Abel  urito  the  blood  of  Zacharias, 
son  of  Barachias,  whom  ye  slew  between  the  temple 
and  the  altar." 

Some  think  that  Christ  refers  to  that  Zacharias  men- 
tioned 2  Chron.  xxiv.,  20 ;  others  to  a  Zecharias,  son 
of  Baruch,  who,  Josephus  says,  was  killed  in  the  tem- 
ple a  little  before  the  destruction  of  Jerusalem. 

The  point  presented  in  this  text  seems  to  be  this — 
that  every  impenitent  simier  is,  in  a  sense,  concerned 
in,  or  accessory  to,  all  the  sin  that  ever  was  commit- 
ted, or  ever  will  be,  to  all  eternity. 


John  iii.,  8. — "  The  wind  bloweth  where  it  listeth," 
&c. 

The  wind  is  a  strange,  mysterious  thing.  Why  it 
blows  from  one  quarter,  and  then  from  another — some- 
times powerfully,  and  then  gently,  or  why  it  blows  at 
all,  cannot  be  accounted  for,  or  what  becomes  of  it. 
So  it  is  as  to  the  manner  of  the  Spirit's  operation. 


Hos.  xi.,  9. — "  Therefore  will  I  return,  and  take 
away  my  corn  in  the  time  thereof,  and  my  wine  in  the 
season  thereof,  and  will  recover  -my  wool  and  my  flax 
given  to  cover  her  nakedness." 

However  wicked  men  may  waste  and  embezzle 
Divine  property,  God  will  recover  the  whole  at  their 
hands,  and  not,  finally,  lose  a  single  farthing  by  them. 
Great  prosperity  in  this  life  as  to  outward  things,  and 
eternal  misery  in  the  world  to  come,  are  consistent 


REV.  LEMUEL  HATNES. 


131 


with  each  other.  We  may  all  examine  how  we  have 
used  Divine  property. 


Lev.  XX.,  5. — "  Then  will  I  set  my  face  against  that 
man,  and  against  his  family,"  &c. 

There  is  a  sort  of  impropriety  for  people  to  com- 
plain of  God  for  not  saving  their  children,  while  they 
use  no  means  for  iheir  salvation,  but  to  the  contrary. 

By  our  opposing  God's  taking  away  our  children  by 
death,  we  may  actually  oppose  their  eternal  salvation, 
and  encourage  their  going  to  hell. 


2  Cor.  xii.,  15. —  ..."  Though  the  more  abundantly 
I  love  you,  the  less  I  be  loved." 

The  more  Christians  express  their  love  to  sinners, 
it  is  commonly  the  case,  the  more  they  are  hated  by 
them. 


1  S-^M.  viii.,  19. —  ..."  And  they  said,  Nay  ;  but 
we  will  have  a  king  over  us." 

Let  God  do  or  say  what  he  will,  by  moral  suasion, 
to  deter  men  from  sinful  ways,  yet  they  will  go  on  to 
destruction. 


Matt,  xxvi.,  15. — "And  they  covenanted  with  him 
for  thirty  pieces  of  silver"  [$14  79]. 

Why  does  Christ  go  so  cheap  ?  Men  have  a  great 
love  to  worldly  objects — esteem  them  high,  hke  Judas. 
They  have  no  relish  for  the  good  Christ  promises — 
from  the  characters  men  sustain — blind — 7nad — beside 
themselves — easily  cheated. 


RoM.  xiv.,  8. — "For  whether  we  live,  we  live  unto 
the  Lord,"  &c. 

Life,  in  the  present  state,  is  one  of  the  most  impor- 
tant things  of  which  we  can  conceive.    Should  we 


132 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


compare  living  on  earth  with  existing  in  eternity,  liow 
much  does  it  exceed  it  ?  One  hour  of  our  present  hfe 
is  of  more  consequence  to  fit  for  future  scenes  than  all 
eternity. 


Prov.  ix.,  18. — "But  he  knoweth  not  that  the  dead 
are  there — and  that  her  guests  are  in  the  depths  of 
hell." 

The  wicked  on  earth  make  up  a  part  of  the  family 
in  hell. 


Matt,  xxvii.,  61. — "And  there  was  Mary  Magda- 
lene, and  the  other  Mary,  sitting  over  against  the 
sepulchre." 

Whence  is  it  that  Jesus  Christ  had  so  few  to  at- 
tend his  funeral  ? 


Job  XX.,  14. — "  Yet  his  meat  in  his  bowels  is  turned 
— it  is  the  gall  of  asps  within  him." 

Though  sinners  delight  in  sin,  it  will  prove  death  in 
the  end,  and  that  very  soon.  "  The  bite  of.  an  asp," 
says  Burder,  "kills  in  four  hours." 


RoM.  xvi.,  3. — "Greet  Priscilla  and  Aquila,"  &c. 
Prlscilla  is  first  named,  because  she  was  more  active 
than  her  husband  in  the  cause  of  religion. 


John  xviii.,  38. — "  Pilate  saith  unto  him,  What  is 
tmth  ?" 

Some  people  inquire  for  the  truth  when  they  do  not 
wish  or  wait  for  an  answer.    Like  Pilate, 

"  They  go  out, 
Dissolve  the  court,  and  mingle  with  the  crowd." 


ExoD.  X.,  9. — "  And  Moses  said.  We  will  go  with 
our  young  and  with  our  old,"  &c. 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


133 


It  is  going  to  lieaventwill  bring  us  there.  Observe 
this.  We  may  use  great  boldness  in  the  cause  of 
God  :  hke  Moses,  We  will  go. 


John  xx.,  13. — "Woman,  why  w^eepest  thou?" 
If  saints  on  earth  were  wise  as  saints  in  heaven, 
they  would  not  weep  as  Mary  did. 


Col.  iii.,  1. — "Seek  those  things  which  are  above, 
where  Christ  sitteth  on  the  right  hand  of  God." 

The  thought  of  Christ's  being  in  heaven  should  raise 
oiu:  affections  there. 


Jer.  ix.,  5. — "  And  weary  themselves  to  commit 
iniquity." 

Sinners  w^eary  and  tire  out  themselves  in  the  service 
of  Satan. 


1  Sam.  xiv.,  6. — "  There  is  no  restraint  to  the  Lord 
to  save  by  many  or  by  few." 
God  can  save  by  small  means. 


Gen.  xix.,  22. — "  Haste  thee — escape  thither — for  I 
cannot  do  any  thing  till  thou  be  come  thither." 

Sometimes  calls  away  the  righteous  to  bring  de- 
struction on  the  wicked. 


Gen.  iii.,  18. — "Thorns  also  and  thistles  shall  it 
bring  forth  to  thee."  • 

We  see  the  pernicious  nature  of  sin — one  sin  spoil- 
ed six  days  labour  of  God. 

M 


134 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


CHAPTER  X. 

AFFLICTIVE  SCENES. 

"  The  heart  of  the  wise  is  in  the  house  of  mourn- 
ing." In  a  remarkable  degree  this  characteristic  of 
wisdom  was  found  in  Mr.  Haynes.  Few  of  Christ's 
ministers  have  been  called  more  frequently  on  funeral 
occasions  to  administer  instruction  and  consolation ; 
and  few  possessed  a  happier  gift  "  to  speak  a  word  in 
season  to  hira  that  is  weary."  His  tender  sensibility, 
his  affectionate  manner  of  address,  his  ardent  and  ex- 
alted piety,  together  with  his  severe  training  in  the 
school  of  affliction,  rendered  him  one  of  the  best  of 
comforters.  In  this  connexion  the  following  letters 
will  be  read  with  deep  interest. 

TO  DEACON  ATKINS. 

Rutland,  Oct.  10,  1814. 

Very  dear  Sir, 
Yours  of  the  15th  Sept.  was  received  two  days  ago. 
It  informed  us  of  three  deaths  in  rapid  succession,  among 
whom  was  the  dear  wife  of  your  youth.    You  know  that 
I  esteemed  her  one  of  the  best  of  friends.    The  long  ac- 

?[uaintance,  the  innumerable  favours  I  have  received 
rom  her,  can  never  be  repeated,  and,  I  trust,  by  me 
will  never  be  forgotten.  •  I  can  say  with  one,  "  The 
thing  I  greatly  feared  is  come  upon  me."  I  was  men- 
tioning to  one  the  day  before  I  received  the  melancholy 
tidings,  that  I  feared  Mrs.  A.  would  never  recover. 
Mrs.  Haynes  was  much  agitated,  in  a  dream,  we  think 
the  night  that  she  expired.  She  thought  she  saw  great 
trouble  in  your  house.    But  I  pay  but  little  attention 


REV.  LEMUEL  IIAYNES. 


135 


to  dreams.  Sir,  I  liope  you  do  not  imbitter  the 
affliction  by  murmuring  or  repining  against  God.  You 
may  think  on  the  goodness  of  the  Almighty  in  blessing 
you  with  such  a  companion — in  preserving  her  so  long, 
— and  for  the  hope  that  she  is  among  the  blessed — and 
that  you  may  hope  shortly  to  meet  her  there.  Above 
all,  that  the  toill  of  God  is  done.  I  trust  I  do  not 
forget  you  at  the  throne  of  grace.  You  are  much  in 
my  thoughts.  I  hope  the  Lord  will  be  your  support  in 
a  day  of  trouble.  Read  Prov.  xxiv.,  10 ;  "If  thou  faint 
in  the  day  of  adversity,  thy  strength  is  small."  Whether 
I  shall  ever  sec  you  on  this  side  of  the  grave  is  uncer- 
tain. Should  it  ever  be  my  lot  and  portion,  it  seems 
that  your  house  would,  in  some  degree,  be  a  gloomy 
mansion.  But  I  would  not  add  to  the  tide  of  grief  that 
flows  from  your  bleeding  heart.  Yet  we  may  mourn 
with  those  that  mourn.  The  week  I  received  your 
letter,  we  were  called  to  bury  two  of  the  sisters  of  our 
church,  the  one  an  adult,  the  other  a  youth.  A  brother 
of  my  wife  died  four  weeks  ago  very  suddenly.  Thus 
we  are  all  going.  I  thank  you  for  the  seasonable  infor- 
mation you  gave  us  of  the  mournful  event.  Make  our 
respects  acceptable  to  Rev.  Mr.  B.  and  family.  We 
greatly  respect  them,  and  shall  never  forget  their  hospi- 
tality. I  trust  I  bless  God  that  you  have  such  a  pre- 
cious man  among  you.  May  he  be  continued.  May 
the  Lord  sanctify  his  hand  to  all  the  bereaved. 
Your  sincere  friend  in  your  trouble, 

Lemuel  Haynes. 

to  the  pastor  of  the  first  church  in  granville, 

Rutland,  January  13,  1806. 

Rev.  and  Dear  Sir, 
•  *  *  *  It  has  been  a  remarkable  time  of  health 
among  us  the  year  past.  But  four  deaths  in  this 
society.  The  last  was  Charity  Rowley,  daughter  of 
Mr.  R.  R.,  about  thirteen  years  of  age.  She  died  Dec. 
6th.  Her  disorder  was  in  her  head,  which  rendered 
her  sickness  very  distressing,  and  for  a  great  part  of 
the  time  she  was  deprived  of  reason.    I  scarcely  ever 


136 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


saw  a  more  distressing  scene.  Every  means  was  used 
for  lier  recovery,  but  all  in  vain.  She  was  a  most 
amiable  child.  But  few  children  so  much  respected. 
All  loved  her.  Her  death  is  greatly  lamented.  Her 
parents  and  the  family  were  almost  overwhelmed  by 
the  stroke.  She  discovered  great  concern  about  a  fu- 
ture state  when  in  the  exercise  of  reason.  Would  call 
on  others  to  pray  for  her,  and  was  often  in  prayer  for 
herself.  Many  prayers  were  put  up  for  her.  But  an 
all-wise  God  saw  fit  to  call  her  away.  We  have  great 
reason  to  hope  that  she  is  gone ,  to  rest,  and  is  now 
sharing  the  rewards  of  the  righteous.  She  has  left  us 
many  warnings  to  prepare  for  death.  I  hope  they  may 
make  a  deep  impression  on  the  minds  of  us  who  sur- 
vive. If  sweetness  of  temper,  amiable  conduct,  love 
and  esteem  of  friends  could  exempt  from  death,  she 
would  still  have  continued.  But  alas  !  there  is  no  dis- 
charge in  this  war.  It  was  a  loud  call  to  our  youth. 
Oh  !  that  it  might  not  prove  in  vain. 

I  preached  on  the  occasion  of  her  funeral  from 
2  Kings  iv.,  19,  20 ;  "  And  he  said  unto  his  father,  My 
head,  my  head  !  And  he  said  to  a  lad,  carry  him  to  his 
mother.  And  when  he  had  taken  him  to  his  mother,  he 
sat  on  her  knees  till  noon,  and  then  died." 

We  have  greatly  to  lament  the  low  state  of  religion 
among  us.  How  is  it  with  you  ?  I  think  we  may  say, 
in  some  sense,  that  it  is  neither  day  nor  night. 

Yours  sincerely, 

Lemuel  Haynes. 

In  1808  he  was  severely  afflicted  by  sickness,  and 
on  his  recovery  he  thus  wrote  to  a  friend : — "  I  have 
only  a  moment's  time  to  write.  I  am  just  raised  up 
from  the  brink  of  the  grave  for  some  purpose.  *  *  • 
Nothing  very  important  has  taken  place  of  late.  Wick- 
edness reigns  triumphant.  There  is  an  extraordinary 
work  of  God  in  Sudbury,  twenty  miles  to  the  north  of 
us.    Eight  or  nine  are  hopefully  converted  in  a  week. 


REV.  LEMTIEL  HAYNES. 


137 


Our  missionary  and  evangelical  societies  in  this  state 
flourish ;  how  is  it  with  you  ?" 

On  the  Sabbath,  he  selected  a  subject  suited  to  the 
occasion  of  his  restoration  to  his  labours.  The  text 
was  Rom.  xiv.,  8  ;  "  For  whether  we  live,  we  Hve  unto 
the  Lord;  and  whether  we  die,  we  die  unto  the 
Lord ;  whether  we  live,  therefore,  or  die,  we  are  the 
Loid's."  In  this  sermon  his  own  thoughts  and  feelings 
seem  to  have  been  an  affecting  illustration  of  the  senti- 
ments of  the  apostle.  "I  might,"  said  he,  "I  might, 
if  it  was  not  too  much  hke  preaching  self,  apply  the 
subject  to  my  own  case.  It  has  pleased  God  to  bring 
me  from  the  borders  of  the  grave.  Strange  to  reflect, 
that  I  stand  this  day  in  the  midst  of  you,  as  one  raised 
from  the  brink  of  death.  I  am  convinced  that  a  sick 
bed  is  no  place  for  repentance.  It  was  reliance  oh  the 
merits  of  the  Saviour  that  supported  me.  Had  I  a 
thousand  souls,  I  would  venture  them  on  him.  'Tis  for 
your  sakes  that  I  am  spared.  I  have  no  desire  to  live 
for  the  sake  of  living  to  self.  But  to  God  would  I  de- 
vote all  my  life.  'Tis  by  your  prayers  that  I  am  de- 
livered to  you,  and  O  that  you  would  pray  that  my 
spared  hfe  may  be  wholly  devoted  to  his  service." 

It  is  not  improbable  that  Mr.  Haynes,  during  his 
ministry,  preached  as  many  as  six  hundred  funeral  ser- 
mons. His  labours  among  the  bereaved  were  t)ften  re- 
quested in  neighbouring  towns,  especially  on  distin- 
guished occasions.  He  was  in  the  habit  also  of  im- 
proving such  dispensations  of  Providence  for  the  benefit 
of  his  own  people,  by  preaching  on  the  occasion  of 
the  death  of  eminently  useful  men.  The  following 
sermon  will  present  a  specimen  of  his  talents  and  apt- 
ness in  this  respect. 

M2 


138 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


The  substance  of  the  Rev.  Lemuel  Haynes's  sermon, 
delivered  at  Rutland  [West  Parish),  Oct.  28th, 
1804.  Occasioned  by  the  sudden  and  much  lamented 
death  of  the  late  Rev.  Job  Swift,  D.  D. 

2  Tim.  iv.,  6  : — "  And  the  time  of  my  departure  is  at 
hand.''' 

Among  the  many  sources  of  evil  to  men,  tliere  are 
few  more  hurtful  than  their  inattention  to  future  scenes : 
this  subjects  them  to  unavoidable  troubles  here,  and 
endless  sorrow  hereafter.  Men  are  generally  disposed 
to  crowd  eternal  realities  from  them,  and  put  far  away 
the  evil  day.  Having  the  last  week  heard  of  the  sud- 
den death  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Swift,  which  I  consider, 
speaking  after  the  manner  of  men,  a  greater  loss  to  the 
church  than  could  have  taken  place  in  the  death  of  a 
single  individual  in  this  state ;  and  having  lately  had  so 
agreeable  an  interview  with  him,  it  has  fixed  "my  mind 
so  intensely  on  eternal  realities  that  I  found  some  diffi- 
culty in  turning  my  attention  on  any  other  subject. 

If  ever  the  sentiment  in  my  text  was  proclaimed  in 
powerful  and  significant  language,  it  is  in  this  alarming 
dispensation  of  Divine  providence.  The  time  of  my 
departure  is  at  hand. 

St.  Paul  wrote  this  epistle  after  his  last  confinement 
at  Rome,  about  nine  years  after  the  former,  and  a  little 
before  his  death,  as  intimated  in  the  text.  Although  the 
exact  time  of  our  death  is  fixed  by  the  unalterable  pur- 
pose of  God,  Job  vii.,  1  ;  xiv.,  5,  yet  this  moment  to  us 
is  uncertain.  We  are  not  to  suppose  that  Paul  under- 
stood this ;  but  by  what  he  couJd  discern  by  the  con- 
duct and  temper  of  his  enemies,  he  concluded  that  his 
exit  was  near.  Analuseoos,  which  is  rendered  depar- 
ture, signifies  "  to  return  home  ;  to  weigh  or  loose  an- 
chor ;  to  change  our  place.  It  is  a  metaphor  taken 
from  mariners,  importing  the  sailing  from  one  port  to 
another.  Death  is,  as  it  were,  the  unfolding  the  net,  or 
breaking  open  the  prison  door  by  which  the  soul  was 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


139 


before  detained  in  a  kind  of  thraldom." — See  Leigli's 
Cj-itica  Sacra.  Paul  expected  to  live  in  a  future  state, 
and  that  death  was  not  an  eternal  sleep,  but  that  a 
crown  of  glory  awaited  him  beyond  the  grave.  That 
we  ought  to  live  in  the  constant  expectation  of  death,  is 
the  point  to  which  our  attention  is  particularly  called  on 
the  present  occasion. 

The  nature  and  importance  of  tlie  duty  will  be  con- 
sidered. There  are  many  people  who,  though  they 
have  the  clearest  intimations  that  they  must  die,  yet  do 
not  expect  it.  Every  age  of  the  world  affords  us  pain- 
ful examples  of  the  truth  of  this  observation.  Death 
often  comes  and  finds  us  sleeping.  IVIany  no  doubt 
will  go  into  eternity  within  one  hour,  that  have  no  ex- 
pectation of  dying  for  years  yet  to  come.  Some  of 
you  who  are  now  present  will  doubtless  die  within  a 
few  weeks,  who  are  not  looking  for  such  an  event. 
Many  of  you  have  more  worldly  schemes  already  laid 
ouc  than  you  can  accomplish  to  the  day  of  your  death. 
Follow  men  to  their  death-bed,  and  you  will  generally 
find  that  death  is  an  unwelcome  and  unexpected  mes- 
senger. Who  those  are  that  hve  in  the  expectation  of 
death,  is  a  question  of  serious  importance. 

People  who  expect  to  die  will  have  their  thoughts 
much  on  the  subject,  as  one  who  is  about  to  remove  to 
a  great  distance  will  think  and  converse  much  about 
the  matter.  Job  called  the  grave  his  house,  and  made 
his  bed  in  the  darkness ;  and  said  to  corruption,  Thou  art 
my  father,  and  to  the  worm.  Thou  art  my  mother  and  my 
sister.  The  man  who  considers  that  the  time  of  his 
departure  is  at  hand,  will  not  be  much  elated  with  sub- 
lunary objects.  Of  whatever  importance  they  may  be 
to  others,  yet  to  him  they  are  of  little  consequence,  as 
he  is  just  ready  to  leave  them.  1  Cor.  vii.,  29,  30,  31. 
"  But  this  I  say,  brethren,  the  time  is  short.  It  remain- 
eth,  that  both  they  that  have  wives  be  as  though  they 
had  none ;  and  they  that  weep,  as  though  they  wept 
not ;  and  they  that  rejoice,  as  though  they  rejoiced  not ; 
and  they  that  buy,  as  though  they  possessed  not ;  and 
they  that  use  this  world,  as  not  abusing  it;  for  the 


140 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


fashion  of  this  world  passeth  away."  Neither  prosper- 
ity nor  adversity  will  much  affect  him  who  expects 
every  hour  to  come  to  the  end  of  his  journey,  or  close 
his  eyes  on  things  below. 

The  man  who  expects  soon  to  remove,  will  have  his 
mind  much  taken  up  with  the  country  to  which  he  is 
going.  He  will  inquire  about  it,  and  form  as  much  ac- 
quaintance with  it  as  possible ;  he  will  attend  to  the  geog- 
raphy of  it,  and  will  have  it  much  in  his  conversation ; 
will  wish  to  know  how  it  is  like  to  fare  with  him  when 
he  arrives  there.  The  dying  man,  who  acts  in  character, 
will  read  the  word  of  God — that  informs  us  about  eter- 
nal things ; — will  endeavour  to  obtain  a  knowledge  of 
the  heavenly  state — of  its  laws,  inhabitants,  and  employ- 
ments. He  will  look  upon  the  things  that  are  not  seen 
— that  are  eternal.  1  Cor.  IV.,  18.  And  his  conversa- 
tion will  be  in  heaven.    Phil,  iii.,  20. 

A  man  that  adopts  the  sentiment  in  my  text  will  set 
immediately  about  the  work  of  preparation  for  death, — 
will,  without  any  delay,  set  his  house  in  order.  Being 
struck  with  a  sense  of  the  shortness  and  uncertainty  of 
life,  he  will  summon  every  faculty  of  his  soul  to  the 
most  vigorous  exertion  in  this  great  work  ;  will  do  with 
his  might  what  his  hand  findeth  to  do :  he  will  not  put 
off  that  work  until  to-morrow  that  should  be  attended  to 
to-day,  since  he  knows  not  what  a  day  may  bring  forth. 
He  will  pay  a  diligent  attention  to  the  means  of  grace. 
Prayer,  reading,  meditation,  and  attending  religious  in- 
stitutions, will  be  matters  of  serious  importance.  When 
men  are  apprehensive  that  they  are  drawing  near  the 
eternal  world,  they  commonly  have  very  different  views 
of  many  external  duties  that  they  despise  in  days  of 
health.  Visits  from  ministers  and  pious  friends,  prayer 
and  religious  conversation,  now  appear  valuable.  The 
man  that  really  expects  soon  to  die,  like  Paul  in  the 
text,  will  be  solemn,  serious,  and  honest ;  will  not  trifle 
with  sacred  things  ;  but  will  act  in  view  of  a  judgment 
to  come. 

Farther:  They  who  are  properly  looking  out  for 
death,  look  upon  it  as  an  event  to  which  they  are  ex- 


REV.  LEMUEL  HATNES. 


141 


oscd  at  any  time,  at  any  place,  or  on  any  occasion,  at 
ome  or  abroad  ;  and  they  will  endeavour  not  to  en- 
gage in  any  work  inconsistent  with  being  called  imme- 
diately before  the  bar  of  Christ.  A  willingness  to  de- 
part out  of  time,  and  to  land  on  the  shores  of  immortal- 
ity, comports  with  the  nature  of  the  duty  under  consid- 
eration. With  what  holy  and  ecstatic  joy  docs  the  apos- 
tle, in  the  chapter  and  verse  from  which  our  text  is  se- 
lected, anticipate  the  approaching  moment  of  his  depar- 
ture. "  For  i  am  now  ready  to  be  offered,  and  tlie  time 
of  my  departure  is  at  hand. '  I  have  fought  a  good  fight, 
I  have  finished  my  course,  I  have  kept  the  faith. 
Henceforth  there  is  laid  up  for  me  a  crown  of  righte- 
ousness, which  the  Lord,  the  righteous  judge,  shall 
give  me  at  that  day  ;  and  not  to  me  only,  but  unto  all 
them  also  that  love  his  appearing."  In  a  word  ;  to  live 
as  expectants  of  death,  is  to  do  the  work  of  every  day 
in  the  day ;  that  we  faithfully  discharge  the  duties  we 
owe  to  God,  to  ourselves,  and  fellow-creatures  ;  that  we 
live  in  the  daily  exercise  of  Christian  graces,  and  per- 
severe in  holy  obedience,  in  a  constant  dependance  on 
the  mercy  of  God  tlirough  Jesus  Christ.  We  are  now 
to  attend  to  the  importance  of  the  duty,  or  the  propriety 
of  our  living  in  the  constant  expectation  of  death. 

We  argue  from  Divine  injunctions.  How  constantly 
and  forcibly  is  the  sentiment  enjoined  in  the  word  of 
God. — "  Watch  therefore.  Be  ye  also  ready.  Let 
your  loins  be  girded  about,  and  your  lights  burning," 
&c. ;  are  the  repeated  admonitions  of  him  who  spake 
as  never  man  spake.  To  live  in  the  constant  expecta- 
tion of  death,  is  falling  in  with  the  dictates  of  the  writ- 
ten word  of  God — and  with  the  examples  of  the  people 
of  God,  who  attained  to  eminent  degrees  of  piety. 
They  considered  themselves  as  strangers  and  pilgrims 
on  the  earth — that  their  days  were  as  a  shadow — and 
that  the  time  is  short.  The  dispensations  of  Divine 
providence  illustrate  the  same  idea,  that  the  time  of 
our  departure  is  at  hand,  and  call  for  correspondent  de- 
portment. The  history  of  mankind — the  repeated  in- 
stances of  death  within  our  own  observation — point 


142 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


US  to  the  grave,  and  proclaim,  wilh  united  voice,  that 
"  There  is  but  a  step  between  us  and  death."  Men 
of  every  character,  station,  age,  and  relation  in  life,  are 
daily  falhng  victims  to  the  king  of  terrors,  and  leave  us 
this  kind  admonition,  that  the  time  of  our  departure  is 
at  hand. 

If  we  were  to  look  round  on  the  various  instruments 
of  death,  we  learn  the  propriety  of  constant  watchful- 
ness. Almost  every  thing  we  behold  is  armed  with 
deadly  weapons,  and  ready  to  destroy :  even  when 
we  think  we  are  fleeing  from  the  enemy,  we  often  run 
into  the  arms  of  death.  The  feeble  and  delicate  state 
of  our  bodies  loudly  proclaims  our  approaching  disso- 
lution. The  pains  and  infirmities  which  have  already 
racked  this  earthly  house  of  our  tabernacle,  show  us 
that  it  cannot  be  long  before  it  will  crumble  and  fall. 
When  I  turn  my  eyes  around  on  this  congregation,  I 
behold  evident  signatures  of  death  in  every  counte- 
nance, which  speak  the  language  in  the  text,  The  time 
of  my  departure  is  at  hand. 

Suitably  to  imbibe  this  sentiment  would  have  a 
happy  influence  on  us  in  every  depaitment  of  life — on 
ministers  and  people,  parents  and  children,  friends  and 
neighbours.  We  should  lay  hold  of  every  opportunity 
to  admonish,  reprove,  and  instruct.  Did  we  consider 
on  all  occasions  that  it  is  more  than  possible  that  we 
are  giving  our  last  and  dying  advice,  would  it  not  make 
a  great  alteration  as  to  the  manner  of  our  addresses? 
Keeping  death  at  too  great  a  distance  tends  to  make  us 
cold  and  indifferent  about  the  things  of  religion.  It  is 
often  the  occasion  of  that  foolish  jesting  and  levity,  in 
which  we  are  too  prone  to  indulge  ;  this  renders  our 
visits  among  our  friends  so  very  barren,  and  turns  our 
conversation  on  subjects  of  no  importance.  Were  it 
constantly  sounding  in  our  ears.  The  time  of  my  de- 
parture is  at  hand  !  it  would  have  a  salutary  influence 
on  our  conduct,  and  others  would  derive  unspeakable 
advantage  from  it.  I  might  further  add,  as  an  incen- 
tive to  the  duty  under  consideration,  that  to  live  in  the 
constant  expectation  of  death  is  the  only  way  to  be  pre- 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


143 


pared  for  it,  and  obtain  a  victory  over  it.  The  reason 
that  this  enemy  breaks  in  upon  us  with  such  terror  and 
surprise  is,  because  we  do  not  watch,  or  keep  awake. 
When  our  blessed  Lord  calls  upon  us  to  watch,  he 
takes  the  metaphor  from  the  sentinels  that  stand  on 
guard,  or  on  the  watch-tower.  The  word  signifies  to 
keep  awake.  If  we  view  death  at  a  great  distance,  and 
so  fall  asleep,  should  he  come  at  such  a  moment,  we 
fall  an  easy  prey  to  the  king  of  terrors.  On  the  other 
hand,  do  we  stand  looking  for  and  hastening  to  the 
coming  of  the  Lord,  with  our  loins  girded  about,  and 
our  lights  burning,  that,  when  Christ  shall  come  and 
knock,  we  may  open  immediately — we  shall  have  the 
blessedness  of  those  servants  whom  the  Lord  when  he 
Cometh  shall  find  so  doing.  This  no  doubt  supported 
our  reverend  father  whom  God  has  lately  called  home ; 
he  could  say,  amid  the  agonies  of  dissolving  nature, 
"  Death  has  no  terrors  to  me."  This  account  I  lately 
had  from  one  living  in  the  family  at  the  time  of  the 
doctor's  death.  His  usual  calmness  and  fortitude  of 
mind  shone  conspicuous  in  his  last  moments,  and 
astonished  spectators.  In  a  word,  the  magnitude  and 
importance  of  death,  judgment,  and  eternity,  should 
command  the  utmost  attention,  watchfulness,  and  cir- 
cumspection. 

The  subject,  thus  far  illustrated,  suggests  a  number 
of  thoughts,  which,  if  pursued  by  way  of  improve- 
ment, woidd  afford  us  useful  instruction. 

In  the  first  place,  it  is  natural  to  observe,  that  it  is 
very  probable  that  there  are  many  people  that  will 
never  be  saved.  They  are  on  the  very  borders  of  the 
grave — they  have  but  a  few  moments  to  live — and  yet 
have  done  nothing  to  prepare  for  death — and  have  no 
disposition  to  do  any  thing.  The  work  is  great — and 
they  are  fully  determined  to  do  nothing  by  way  of 
preparation.  This  no  doubt  is  the  case  with  many 
present. 

We  may  further  observe,  that  there  is  but  a  little 
difference  between  men's  outward  circumstances  ;  be- 
tween the  rich  or  the  poor,  the  old  and  the  young : 


144 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


death  will,  in  a  moment  or  two,  lay  all  on  a  level. 
There  is  but  a  very  little  difference  between  the  dead 
and  the  living, — only  a  single  step. 

We  are  taught  once  more  by  a  review  of  this  sub- 
ject, that  all  disputes  about  religion  will  soon  subside. 
'Tis  vain  for  men  to  spend  their  time  in  warm  and 
angry  contentions  about  matters  that  will  be  decided 
in  a  single  moment.  "  The  time  of  our  departure  is 
at  hand." 

How  ministers  are  to  preach,  and  how  people  are  to 
hear,  and  how  all  ouglit  to  conduct,  in  every  place  and 
on  all  occasions,  are  easily  deducible  from  the  prece- 
ding discourse,  viz.,  In  the  constant  view  of  death  and 
the  eternal  world.  The  sound  should  always  be  in 
our  ears,  "  The  time  of  my  departure  is  at  hand  !"  and 
should  have  a  commanding  influence  on  all  our  behav- 
iour. 

We  should,  by  this  subject,  be  led  to  examine  our- 
selves, and  take  a  review  of  our  past  life,  since  we  are 
soon  to  leave  this  world,  and  our  endless  happiness  or 
misery  depends  on  the  manner  in  which  we  improve 
the  present  life.  Blessed  are  all  those  who  can  adopt 
the  language  of  the  dying  apostle,  "  I  have  fought  a 
good  fight,  I  have  finished  my  course,  I  have  kept  the 
faith,"  &c. 

In  a  particular  manner  we  ought  to  be  excited  to 
the  utmost  diligence  in  religion,  since  our  time  is  so 
short,  and  since  the  sentiment  is  so  powerfully  incul- 
cated by  the  deaths  of,  others  with  whom  we  yesterday 
conversed. 

The  recent  instance  of  mortality  speaks  with  too 
much  energy  to  be  disregarded.  Perhaps  scarcely 
ever  was  there  a  death  in  which  we  were  more  inter- 
ested, or  one  in  which  God  could  have  manifested 
equal  displeasure  against  us.  If  so  important  and  vir- 
tuous a  character  could  not  be  exempted,  but  must  be 
called  away  suddenly  in  the  midst  of  his  usefubess, 
may  we  not  with  propriety  every  day  be  looking  out 
for  death  ?  The  situation  in  which  God  in  his  provi- 
dence had  lately  placed  Dr.  Swift,  and  the  remarkable 


kEV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES; 


149 


success  that  attended  his  ministerial  labours  among  the 
people  where  he  resided,  afforded  pleasing  prospects, 
and  promised  a  long  continuance ;  but,  in  a  moment, 
our  expectations  are  frustrated  by  Him  who  destroyeth 
tlie  hope  of  man.  The  preacher  has  not  the  A^anity  to 
suppose  that  a  commendation  from  him  would  add 
much  weight  to  a  character  so  well  estabhshed  among 
all  who  were  acquainted  with  him.  I  have  often 
thought,  and  repeatedly  mentioned  in  private  conver- 
sation, that  I  never  saw  the  description  of  a  gospel 
minister,  as  given  in  the  word  of  God,  so  illustrated 
and  exemplified  by  any  person  as  in  the  life  and  chEir-' 
acter  of  Dr.  Swift. 

Few  ever  attained  a  more  thorough  acquaintance 
with  divinity,  or  were  so  capable  of  opening  the  mys- 
teries of  the  gospeL  He  appeared  always  ready  to 
solve  difficult  passages  in  the  Scripture  and  questions 
in  theology.  I  believe  numbers  in  the  ministry  are 
ready  to  acknowledge  that  many  important  ideas  on 
this  subject  they  have  obtained  through  his  instrumen- 
tality. Affability,  Christian  zeal,  and  firmness  in  the 
fundamental  principles  of  religion,  were  distinguishing 
traits  in  his  character.  These  things  I  thought  shone 
more  conspicuous  in  him  than  usual  at  our  last  meet- 
ing. His  benevolence  and  hospitality  often  astonished 
those  who  came  under  his' roof.  Those  who  had  taste 
for  plain,  instructive,  experimental  preaching,  greatly 
admired  his  public  performances.  His  attacliment  to, 
and  exertions  in,  the  missionary  interest  were  great:  I 
have  often  thought  to  the  prejudice  of  his  health,  espe- 
cially of  late.  About  the  last  conversation  I  had  with 
him  was  on  the  subject  of  missions.  He  requested  me 
to  go  to  a  place  at  some  distance  to  preach,  as  he  had 
given  the  people  previous  encouragement.  I  told  him  I 
was  pre-engaged — he  replied,  "  It  will  not  do  to  neg- 
lect them,  I  must  go  myself."  But  few  churches  in 
this  state,  on  this  side  of  the  mountain,  but  owe  much 
of  their  present  prosperity,  under  God,  to  Dr.  Swift, 
Perhaps  no  man  was  more  approved,  and  more  useful 
in  ecclesiaslicai  councils  than  he.  In  our  associations, 
N 


146 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


where  he  always  presided,  he  was  truly  a  burning  and 
a  shining  light.  But,  however  hard  to  realize  the 
thought,  he  is  gone  !  Heaven  has  so  decreed  !  and  it 
becomes  blind  mortals  to  submit.  Oh !  let  us  be 
thankful  to  God  that  we  have  enjoyed  him  so  long  ! 
Let  us  call  to  mind,  and  rightly  improve,  the  advan- 
tages with  which  we  have  been  favoured,  and  endeav- 
our to  imbibe  that  temper,  and  imitate  those  virtues, 
that  dwelt  so  richly  in  him.  Oh,  that  a  double  portion 
of  his  spirit  might  rest  upon  all  the  ministers  of  Christ ! 
That  those,  especially  in  this  state,  to  whom  he  has 
been  so  kind  a  father  and  benefactor,  would  consider 
how  loudly  God,  by  this  providence,  calls  us  to  enga- 
gedness  in  his  cause — knowing  that  the  time  of  our  de- 
parture is  at  hand.  Let  us  learn  to  put  our  trust  in 
that  God  who  is  able  to  take  care  of  his  church  without 
us,  or  those  who  are  more  eminent  in  gifts  and  grace, 
and  who  worketh  all  things  according  to  the  counsel  of 
his  own  will.  Amen. 


CHAPTER  XL 

MR.  HAYNES'S  LABOURS  BEYOND  THE  LIMITS  OF  HIS 
PARISH. 

It  is  no  easy  task  to  estimate  the  amount  of  good 
effected  by  the  ministers  of  Christ,  especially  by  those 
pastors  whose  labours  are  abundant  beyond  the  bounds 
of  their  respective  societies.  It  is  indeed  a  privilege 
of  inestimable  worth  to  be  the  instrument  of  building 
up  a  single  church,  and  of  witnessing  revival  after  re- 
vival, in  which  many  sinners  are  converted  to  God  and 
gathered  into  the  church.  Mr.  Haynes  was  not  an  in- 
sulated individual,  whose  influence  was  limited  to  pa- 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


147 


rochial  bounds.  In  the  early  part  of  hi«  ministry  ha 
had  more  calls  to  labour  as  a  preacher  at  funerals  and 
on  special  occasions  than  any  other  minister  in  the  re- 
gion. 

As  his  early  days  were  spent  in  agricultural  pursuits, 
he  took  much  delight  in  this  kind  of  labour.  The  ex- 
penses of  his  numerous  family  and  his  hospitality  re- 
quired that  large  portions  of  time  should  be  employed 
in  manual  labour.  He  was  often  called  from  the  field 
to  the  pulpit.  A  young  man,  from  the  adjoining  town 
of  Castleton,  calling  to  engage  his  services  on  a  funeral 
occasion,  was  directed  to  the  field  where  he  was  la- 
bouring. The  young  gentleman  went  accordingly,  and 
meeting  Mr.  Haynes  in  his  field-dress,  and  not  suspect- 
ing him  to  be  the  preacher,  said  to  him,  "  Can  you  tell 
me,  sir,  where  I  can  find  Mr.  Haynes  ?"  He  replied, 
"  My  name  is  Haynes." — "  No,"  said  the  young  man, 
"  I  mean  Mr.  Haynes  the  preacher." — "  I  try  to  preach 
sometimes,"  said  Mr.  Haynes. 

He  was  ready  at  a  moment's  notice  to  exchange  his 
field  garments  for  a  clerical  but  plain  attire,  and  to 
stand  as  "  the  legate  of  the  skies"  among  deeply-af- 
flicted mourners. 

In  1804  he  was  appointed  by  the  Connecticut  Mis- 
sionary Society  to  labour  in  the  destitute  sections  of 
Vermont.  In  1809  he  was  appointed  to  a  similar  ser- 
vice by  the  Vermont  Missionary  Society.  A  minute 
journal  of  these  missionary  tours  would  furnish  mate- 
rials for  the  historian,  instruction  to  young  missionaries, 
and  improvement  to  all.  In  that  early  period  of  home 
missions  a  wide  field  was  occupied  by  a  single  mission- 
ary, and  the  labours  of  a  few  weeks  were  distributed 
among  a  number  of  destitute  churches.    A  single  fact, 


148 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


which  faithful  memory  has  rescued  from  obUvion,  will 
illustrate  the  untiring  diligence  of  Mr,  Haynes,  as  well 
as  his  aptness  at  original  and  amusing  remarks.  Trav- 
elling in  the  northern  parts  of  Vermont,  at  a  season 
when  the  business  of  the  husbandman  was  pressing, 
but  the  business  of  the  missionary  infinitely  more  so, 
he  sent  forward  an  appointment  to  preach  a  sermon  on 
the  morning  of  a  week  day.  On  his  arrival  at  the 
place  he  was  extremely  grieved  to  learn  that  his  lec- 
ture had  not  been  properly  notified,  and  that  some  of 
the  people  had  come  to  the  conclusion  that  they  could 
not  find  time  to  attend  a  religious  meeting.  "  Can't 
find  time  to  go  to  meeting  ?"  said  Mr.  Haynes ;  do 
people  ever  die  here  in  St.  Albans  ?  I  wonder  Turn 
they  can  find  ti?ne  to  die .'" 

In  ecclesiastical  councils  he  was  sought  by  churches 
pear  and  remote,  He  attended  about  fifty  ordinations, 
and  in  many  instances  was  the  appointed  preacher.  In 
cases  of  difficulty  and  division,  his  influence,  counsel, 
and  prayers  were  blessed  to  the  restoration  of  peace  in 
the  churches, 

In  one  of  the  remote  churches  in  Vermont,  a  painful 
diflficulty  originated  between  two  prominent  members, 
which  soon  destroyed  all  Christian  fellowship,  and  di-. 
vided  the  church  into  parties,  Neither  the  measures 
adopted  by  the  discreet  members  of  the  church,  nor  the 
advice  of  several  successive  councils,  had  effected  a 
reconciliation.  The  dissension  became  more  alarming. 
At  length  it  was  resolved  to  call  a  council  from  "distant 
churches,  The  council  convened  accordingly,  and  the 
Reverend  Mr.  Haynes  was  chosen  moderator.  Having 
ascertained  the  facts  in  the  case,  the  moderator  address- 
ed the  parties  in  a  plain,  conciliatory  manner,  and  in- 


REV.  LEMTTEL  HAVNES. 


149 


vited  them  to  retire  and  settle  the  difficuhv.  They  re- 
tired, but  soon  returned  with  unsubdued  hearts  and  de- 
termined looks.  The  moderator  perceived  the  deep- 
rooted  difficulty,  and  felt  the  importance  of  plain  and 
faithful  dealing.  He  arose  and  obserred,  "  That  we 
have  all  gone  out  of  the  way ;  that  we  all  fail  in  living 
up  to  the  Christian  profession ;  that  we  often  stand  in 
the  gap,  and  slop  poor  sinners  from  entering  the  king- 
dom of  Christ.  Oh !  how  important  it  must  be  for 
Christians  to  be  active.  How  painful  the  thought  that 
the  Redeemer  should  be  wounded  in  the  house  of  his 
friends  !  Our  time  is  short.  What  we  do  we  must  do 
quickly.  Reason,  experience,  religion  instruct  us  to  do 
all  in  our  power  to  administer  comfort  to  those  who 
abuse  us.  If  tliine  enemy  hunger,  feed  him ;  if  he 
thirst,  give  him  drink,  for  in  so  doing  thou  shalt  heap 
coals  of  fire  upon  his  head.  Forgive  from  the  heart 
those  who  trespass  against  you.  Oh,  let  us  strive  to 
make  those  who  abuse  us  happy  as  we  can  while  we 
live;  for,  if  they  do  not  repent,  they  must  finally  be 
pierced  to  the  heart  with  an  undying  agony.  What  is 
life  but  death  to  him  that  destroys  not  his  passions. 
With  a  bruised  and  humble  heart,  do,  my  friends,  over- 
come these  evil  passions.  Forgive  one  another — then 
the  clear  light  of  the  Divine  favour  will  illuminate  your 
souls." 

At  this  distance  of  time,  only  a  very  imperfect  sketch 
of  what  was  then  said  can  now  be  given.  Many  of  the 
beautiful  illustrations  and  happy  turns  of  expression, 
for  which  Mr.  Haynes  was  distinguished  on  special  oc- 
casions, are  now  lost  from  the  memory ;  but  they  were 
not  lost  on  the  parties  concerned  in  these  unchristian 
divisions, 

N2 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OP 


The  effect  of  this  affectionate  and  solemn  appeal  was 
indescribably  happy.  When  the  moderator  closed  his 
remarks,  the  parties  were  melted  with  tears.  They 
took  each  other  by  the  hand,  made  penitential  confes- 
sions to  each  other  and  to  the  church,  The  whole 
church  also  arose  simultaneously,  and  mutually  made 
confessions.  It  was  a  blessed  season.  Tears  of  peni- 
tence flowed  copiously,  God  was  pleased  to  "pour 
upon  them  the  spirit  of  grace  and  supplication,  and  they 
looked  upon  him  whom  they  had  pierced,  and  mourned 
for  him  as  one  mourneth  for  a  first  born."  The  church 
was  thus  reclaimed  and  humbled,  and  prepared  for  a 
heavenly  visitation,  A  religious  revival  commenced 
immediately. 


CHAPTER  XII. 

LETTERS, 
LETTER  I. 

FROM  MR,  HAYNES  TO  THE  PASTOR  OF  THE  FIRST  CHURCH 
IN  GRANVILLE. 

Rutland,  January  12th,  1805. 

Very  dear  Sir, 
It  seems,  for  some  reason,  our  correspondence  has 
for  a  long  time  been  interrupted.  Whether  it  is  not 
through  criminal  inattention,  may  be  a  serious  question. 
May  it  again  be  revived  ?  Granville  being  my  former 
home,  renders  intelligence  from  thence  interesting,  I 
often  hear  from  you,  though  not  by  letter,  Were  I  at 
your  house,  your  first  inquiry  would  be — "  How  is  re- 
ligion among  you?"    I  must  answer, — Not  as  in  days 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


151 


past,  though  some  hopeful  appearances.  A  little  boy  of 
twelve  years  old  joined  the  church  a  few  days  ago ; 
being  asked  what  was  the  means  of  his  being  awakened, 
he  said,  that  "  he  thought  one  night  that  he  had  been 
given  up  to  God  in  baptism,  and  he  thought  it  to  be  his 
duty  to  give  himself  up  to  God."  He  is  a  remarkable 
instance  of  piety.  I  wished  that  our  Baptist  brethren 
had  heard  the  relation. 

The  alteration  that  God  has  made  in  this  state  within 
the  last  two  or  three  years  is  surprising.  Thousands 
have  been  converted.  The  call  almost  everywhere  now 
is — preach !  preach  !  The  harvest  is  great.  I  have 
been  on  a  mission  last  fall,  and  w^as  pleased  to  see  the 
attention  among  the  people.  I  am  fully  convinced  that 
missionary  exertions  should  be  encouraged.  We  have 
formed  a  society  in  this  state.  I  think  we  shall  be  able 
to  maintain  one  missionarj'^  constantly ;  but  labourers 
are  few-.  You  have  heard  of  the  death  of  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Swift.  He  died  suddenly,  while  out  on  a  mission,  at 
the  same  time  that  I  was  out.  I  had  an  interview  with 
him  a  few  days  before  his  death.  Why  so  useful  a  man 
was  taken  away,  and  such  a  vile  wetch  spared,  is  to  be 
resolved  into  the  sovereign  wisdom  of  God.  Our  loss 
is  almost  insupportable.  Zion  trembled  when  he  fell. 
I  wonder  that  I  have  not  visited  Granville  before  now. 
Never  was  I  so  taken  up  with  ministerial  work,  but  yet 
do  nothing.  I  still  hope  to  see  you,  I  am  to  set  out 
to-morrow  for  Woodstock,  over  the  mountains,  to  an  or- 
dination. 

Remember  me  at  the  throne  of  grace. 

Yours  sincerely  in  gospel  bonds,  &c. 
This  was  written  in  the  greatest  haste,  which  must 
excuse  inelegance — 'tis  time  to  attend  conference. 


152 


IIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


LETTER  II. 
TO  THE  SAME. 

Rutland,  February  9th,  1806. 

Rev.  and  dear  Sir, 

Did  you  know  the  satisfaction  it  affords  me  to  hear 
from  you  and  fronn  Granville,  the  place  of  my  former 
residence,  I  am  persuaded  you  would  feel  yourself  am- 
ply rewarded  in  writing  to  me.  You  speak  of  stupidity 
among  you,  and  I  wish  I  was  able  to  tell  you  that  it  is 
different  with  us.  We  have  had  great  and  peculiar  tri- 
als, such  as  I  have  never  experienced  since  I  have  been 
in  the  work  of  the  ministry ;  but,  through  the  blessing 
of  God,  they  have  in  a  good  measure  subsided.  I  think, 
on  the  whole,  matters  are  growing  more  favourable  as 
to  religion  in  Vermont.  Ministers  are  settling  very  fast. 
Middletown,  Middlebury,  Essex,  and  Shorham,  afford 
recent  instances.  Many  other  towns  are  following  their 
example.  I  think,  as  Dr.  Burton  observed  the  other 
day,  that  infidelity  is  on  the  decline,  which  makes  the 
enemy  to  rage  violently. 

I  was  apprized  of  Mr.  S  's  sentiment  more  than  a 

year  ago,  by  a  man  from  his  parish.  I  think  that  Arian- 
ism  is  what  will  now  call  for  the  resistance  of  the  advo- 
cates for  truth. 

I  was  exceedingly  pleased  with  your  proposal  to  con- 
tribute something  for  the  use  of  children.  I  think  we 
are  too  apt  to  neglect  thenn.  The  future  being  of  the 
church  depends,  under  God,  upon  them.  Should  I  be 
able  to  afford  any  materials  for  the  work,  I  shall  most 
willingly  contribute. 

In  answer  to  your  question*  I  would  readily  say.  No ; 
for  the  reasons  following : — God  nowhere  requires  it. 
Those  exercises  necessary  for  damnation  are  what  the 
holy  soul  would  deprecate.  The  damned  will  for  ever 
hate  God  and  seek  his  destruction.  A  Christian  can 
never  see  that  it  is  for  the  glory  of  God  to  damn  him. 

•  Does  true  submission  ever  imply  a  willingness  to  be  damned  for  the 
glory  of  God  ? 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNKS. 


153 


We  are  to  seek  the  good,  and  not  the  misery  of  our  own 
6ouls.  So,  to  be  willing  to  be  damned  for  the  glory  of 
God,  would  involve  a  contradiction.  God  never  will 
and  never  can  reveal  to  his  people  that  'tis  his  or  for  his 
glory  to  damn  them.  Much  might  be  said  on  the  sub- 
ject, but  as  you  wish  for  an  answer  just  as  you  state 
the  question,  1  give  it  hastily ;  perhaps  my  reasoning  is 
not  conclusive.  The  te.xt  often  quoted  as  supposed  by 
some  to  carry  a  different  idea,  is  Rom.  ix.,  3.  Much 
has  been  said  on  this  difficult  text.  I  will  submit  the 
following  remark  to  yom*  consideration.  I  find  the 
Greek  word  uto,  which  is  translated //  o?;*,  often  render- 
ed with,  as  you  will  see  by  turning  to  your  Greek 
Lexicon,  and  I  could  give  instances  in  the  Scriptures 
had  I  time, — but  the  bearer  waits.  Perhaps  the  read- 
ing is,  "  I  could  wish  myself  accursed  with  Christ,  or 
die  an  accursed  death  as  he  did,  for  my  brethren  and 
kindred  according  to  the  flesh."  But  this  is  submitted 
to  your  examination,  I  intended  to  have  enlarged  and 
furnished  you  with  some  of  my  plans  of  sermons,  if 
they  would  be  worth  notice,  and  by  that  means  have 
excited  you  to  have  made  me  better  returns.  I  preach- 
ed to-day  from  Psal,  xlviii.,  14,  and  from  Judges  x-,  14. 
On  the  first  I  had  this  method : — To  show,  1.  In  what 
sense  God  is  the  believer's  God.  2.  That  he  will  al- 
ways be  their  God.  3,  The  great  advantage  in  having 
hinj  for  our  God.  The  other  te.xt  afforded  this  point : — 
That  those  who  have  any  thing  short  of  the  true  God 
for  their  God,  may  expect  to  have  none  other  to  go  to 
in  the  time  of  their  distress.  1.  Who  are  they  that 
have  any  other  God  \  2.  A  day  of  tribulation  will  soon 
overtake  such.    3.  Prove  the  point. 

Sir,  please  to  write  to  me  as  soon  as  possible. 

Believe  me  yours,  in  the  fellowship  of  the  gospel. 


154 


tIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


LETTER  III. 

FROM  MR.  HAYNES  TO  DEACON  ELIHU  ATKINS. 

Rutland,  July  7,  1816. 

Very  dear  Sir, 
Your  kind  letter  has  been  received,  and  would  have 
been  answered  long  ago  had  not  sickness  prevented. 
Soon  after  the  receipt  of  your  communication  I  was 
seized  with  a  most  distressing  disorder,  which  brought 
me  to  the  borders  of  the  grave.  Five  or  six  Sabbaths 
I  was  unable  to  attend  divine  service.  But  God,  who 
is  rich  in  mercy,  has  so  far  recovered  me  that,  through 
great  infirmity  of  body,  I  have  been  able  this  day  to 
preach  and  administer  tlie  holy  supper.  I  am  fast  re- 
covering my  health.  You  will  see  by  my  writing  that 
I  am  in  a  weak  and  trembling  state  ;  you  will  scarcely 
be  able  to  read  my  writing.  You  inform  me  of  the 
death  of  many  among  you,  but  at  the  same  time  of 
some  who  have  been  raised  from  the  dead.  This  in  a 
degree  turns  our  mourning  into  joy.  *  *  *  Mr.  A. 
J,  Bogue  called  on  me  last  week ;  complains  bitterly 
against  the  clergy ;  he  tells  me  he  has  joined  another 
presbytery,  viz.,  under  James  Madison,  which  he  likes 
better.!  *  *  *  You  inform  me  of  your  new  con- 
nexion, in  which  I  wish  you  God's  blessing.  *  *  * 
The  season  among  us  appears  gloomy ;  it  is  cold  and 
dry.  God  has  evidently  a  controversy  with  us.  Re- 
member me  to  Mrs.  B.  and  her  mother.  I  remember 
the  last  interview  I  had  with  their  dear  deceased  friend, 
may  the  Lord  support  them. 

Yours  sincerely. 

t  Mr.  B.  had  been  deposed  by  the  Presbytery,  and  was  now  chaplain  in 
the  army. 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


155 


LETTER  IV. 

FROM  MR.  HAYNES  TO  THE  PASTOR  OF  THE  FIRST 
CHURCH  IN  GRANVILLE. 

Rutland,  October  28,  1816. 

Dear  Sir, 

•  *  My  health  is  better  than  when  I  wrote  to  you 
last,  though  it  is  far  from  being  confirmed — probably 
never  will  be.  I  am  however  able,  in  my  poor  way, 
to  perform  ministerial  services.  My  late  sickness  has 
greatly  impaired  my  constitution.  It  is  time  for  us  to 
realize  that  the  time  of  our  departure  is  at  hand.  There 
is  nothing  very  favourable  with  respect  to  religion  in 
this  town,  though  there  seems  to  be  a  greater  attention 
to  meeting  than  formerly.  In  the  east  parish  there  are 
some  drops  of  Divine  influence.  In  many  places  in 
this  state  God  is  doing  wonders,  particularly  at  West- 
jninster.  Putney,  Bridgewater,  and  Salisbury ;  at  Mid- 
dlebury  the  work  is  great ;  at  Cornwall,  New-Haven, 
Charlotte,  St.  Albans,  Sheldon,  Benson,  and  many  other 
places.  We  hear  good  news  from  the  westward ;  also 
from  Massachusetts.  Some  begin  to  predict  that  the 
millennium  draws  nigh.  *  •  •  j  thank  you  for  the 
pains  you  took  in  your  former  letter  to  inform  me  of  a 
number  who  had  obtained  hope  among  you,  and  of  the 
deaths.  I  wish  you  would  give  further  like  informa- 
tion. I  can  never  be  weaned  from  G.,  the  place  of  my 
long  residence.  We  are  threatened  here  with  a  scar- 
city as  to  worldly  things.  The  latter  harvest  is  chiefly 
cut  off";  how  is  it  among  you?  God's  judgments  are 
abroad  in  the  earth. 

Faithfully  yours. 

P.  S.  I  have  just  been  reading  a  sermon  of  Dr. 
Lathrop's,  of  West  Springfield,  on  the  sixtieth  anniver- 
sary of  his  ministry.  He  is  eighty-four  or  eighty-five 
years  of  age.    He  is  truly  a  wonderful  man. 

Remember  me  at  the  throne  of  grace. 


156 


LIFE  AND  CHAftACtER  OF' 


LETTER  V. 
To  DEACON  ELIHU  ATKINS. 

Rutland,  November  27,  1816. 

Affectionate  Friend, 

Yours  by  Mr.  bearing  date  the  7th  instant,  has 
been  received,  and  read  with  pleasure  and  satisfaction. 
It  informed  of  your  health  and  prosperity,  and  that  of 
your  family ;  that  you  had  one  added  to  your  church ; 
of  the  wonderful  work  of  God  at  Sandisfield  and  other 
places.  You  inform  me  tliat  the  latter  harvest  is  cut 
off  among  you  and  in  Connecticut  in  a  great  measure^ 
But,  at  the  same  time,  if  the  cause  of  God  flourishes 
and  prospers,  it  is  more  than  to  have  corn,  oil,  or  wine 
increase.  In  the  east  parish  of  Rutland  there  is  con* 
siderable  attention  to  religion,  btit  among  us  there  is 
nothing  special  except  stupidity  and  irreligion.  Near 
by  us,  God  is  at  work  in  a  wonderful  manner.  In  Fair- 
haven  many  are  inquiring,  "What  shall  we  do  to  be 
saved  ?"  Those  that  are  stout-hearted  and  far  from 
righteousness  are  bowing  to  the  sceptre  of  grace.  The 
work  is  begun  at  Castleton,  seven  miles  from  us.  We 
almost  hope  we  shall  not  be  passed  by.  Three  or  four, 
and  sometimes  Jive  hundred  meet  at  a  time.  A  few 
days  ago  a  number  met  in  Fairhaven  for  prayer,  as  they 
have  done  for  some  time  every  morning.  But  the  min- 
ister, Mr.  Cushman,  was  sick,  and  could  not  attend,- 
and  none  were  there  that  could  attempt  the  duty  of 
prayer.  They  were  in  distress  to  know  what  they 
could  do.  One,  who  was  in  great  distress,  proposed 
that  he  would  kneel  down  and  say  the  Lord's  prayer 
if  the  rest  would  join.  Accordingly  they  did,  and  it 
had  a  blessed  effect-  The  church  at  Fairhaven  had 
been  reduced  to  three  or  four  male  members.  But 
God  has  appeared  in  a  needy  time. 

You  mention  two  deaths,  Mrs.  P.  and  Mrs.  H.  Did 
Mrs.  P.  become  any  more  rational  before  her  death? 
I  remember  the  many  days  and  nights  I  spent  in  that 
family  in  the  time  of  her  husband's  sickness  and  death. 


HEV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


15? 


M'as  Mrs.  H.  insane,  or  was  it  suicide  in  the  aggrava- 
ted sense  ?  ♦  •  •  >iy  health  is  ratlier  on  the  gain, 
though  it  is  not  as  formerly — 'lis  not  likely  it  ever  will 
be.  I  have  just  received  a  request  to  cross  the  Green 
Mountauis,  and  preach  a  dedication  sermon  at  a  new 
meeting-house  lately  erected.  I  contemplate  to  go  if 
my  health  will  admit.  I  feel  almost  worn  out.  We 
cannot  expect  to  continue  long  by  reason  of  death. 
Mrs.  A.  wishes  to  know  whether  I  ever  expect  to  visit 
G.  again.  My  answer  is,  'tis  what  I  even  long  for 
much,  and,  should  Providence  open  the  door,  I  intend 
to ;  but  you  see  life  is  uncertain,  and  she  and  I  have 
become  old,  and  it  will  not  do  for  us  to  depend  much 
on  future  time.  Oh  that  we  could  often  reflect  on  the 
words  of  old  Barzillai,  2d  Sam-  xix.,  34 — "  How  long 
have  I  to  live  ?" 

I  think  much  of  being  dismissed  from  my  people, 
should  they  be  willing,  and  have  more  latitude  to  visit 
friends,  but  am  not  determined.  Should  I  live,  I  hope 
within  a  year  to  visit  you ;  but  all  is  uncertain  in  this 
life  but  death.     *    *    *  * 

Your  sincere  friend  and  servant. 

LETTER  VI. 
TO  DEACON  E.  ATKIffS. 

Rutland,  Feb.  17,  1817. 

Dear  Sir, 

•  •  •  I  am  happy  in  letting  you  know  that  the 
■work  still  goes  on  in  those  places  I  mentioned  to  you 
in  mv  last.  On  the  first  Sabbath  in  this  month,  nearly 
one  "hundred  came  forward  in  Castleton,  and  made 
public- profession.  No  instance  like  it  has  ever  taken 
place  in  these  parts.  Never  did  I  see  a  work  so  pow- 
erful as  the  one  in  that  place.  Perhaps  nearly  as  many 
more  have  obtained  hopes.  The  work  goes  on  in 
other  places — and,  what  is  wonderful,  the  Lord  has 
come  among  us,  though  unworthy.  The  attention  of 
people  is  called  up,  and  some  are  rejoicing  in  hope. 
We  have  conferences  every  day  or  night  this  week. 


158 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


Our  meetings  are  crowded.  My  labours  have  been 
more  abundant  lately  than  ever  they  were  since  I  have 
been  in  the  ministry.  Oh,  that  I  could  do  the  work 
well !  I  feel  unequal  to  the  task.  I  ask  your  prayers. 
Some  begin  to  predict  that  the  millennium  is  at  hand. 
I  think  Mr.  Flavel  somewhere  says,  "  When  doves  fly 
to  their  windows,  look  out  for  a  storm."  Sinners 
should  take  warning.  No  doubt  there  will  be  a  great 
destruction  among  the  wicked  before  that  day,  and 
many  will  be  called  in.  I  preached  yesterday  from 
Rev.  xii.,  7.  I  think  the  battle  will  soon  be  decided. 
 The  many  expressions  of  friendship  I  have  re- 
ceived from  you  I  can  never  forget.  Your  deceased 
companion  I  often  remember — may  we  all  be  ready  to 
follow  her. 

I  remain,  as  usual,  cordially  yours,  <Scc 

LETTER  VH. 
TO  THE  SAME. 

Rutland,  Sept.  25,  1817. 

Dear  Sir, 

•  *  *  I  feel  thankful  for  your  communications, 
although  they  often  contain  melancholy  tidings — I 
mean  the  deaths  of  friends.  It  is  a  remarkable  time 
of  health  with  us,  only  one  adult  has  died  in  our  society 
for  about  twenty-one  months — three  or  four  infants 
have  been  taken  away.  We  have  some  attention  to 
religion  of  late — about  thirty  have  been  added  to  the 
church — but  we  are  too  stupid.  I  hear  that  Mrs.  A.  is 
dangerously  sick ;  I  fear  what  will  be  the  next  tidings. 
 I  long  to  hear  from  you. 

A  melancholy  accident  happened  at  Middlebury  this 
•week.  Professor  Allen,  of  the  college,  fell  from  the  top 
of  the  building,  and  soon  expired ;  was  heard  to  say,  "  I 
am  a  dead  man.  The  Lord  reigneth — let  the  earth 
rejoice."  Just  before  he  died  he  was  heard  to  repeat, 
"  The  Lord  reigneth,"    So  exposed  are  we  to  death — 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNKS. 


159 


may  we  all  be  ready.  I  wish  once  more  to  see  you 
on  this  side  of  the  grave — but  life  is  uncertain  ! 

Yours  affectionately, 

Lemuel  Haynes. 

LETTER  VIII. 
TO  THE  SAME. 

Rutland,  Jan.  16,  1818. 

Dear  Sir, 

•  *  •  You  inform  me  of  the  state  of  Mrs.  A. ;  I 
am  glad  to  hear  that  she  is  in  some  measure  recovered, 
and  I  would  join  with  you  in  giving  thanks  to  God  for 

his  goodness.    I  often  send  my  imagination  to  G  , 

and  see  the  havoc  death  has  made  there.  I  travel 
from  lane  to  lane,  and  I  find  but  few  alive.  My  con- 
temporaries are  mainly  gone.  We  may  say  with  great 
propriety,  that  the  time  of  our  departure  is  at  hand. 
As  to  the  fruit  of  our  awakening,  which  you  ask  me 
about,  I  lament  to  say  that  the  harvest  was  short,  and 
our  hopes  not  fully  answered.  We  had  but  only 
twenty-seven  added  to  our  church.  There  appears  to 
be  a  great  degree  of  stupidity  among  us.  Saints  cold, 
and  sinners  bold  in  sin.  But  the  Lord  reigns.  Some 
young  people  have  lately  died  among  us,  which  has  e.x- 
cited  some  seriousness  ;  I  hope  it  will  not  be  in  vain. 
J  feel  sometimes  discouraged  and  worn  out  with  fa- 
tigue. I  tell  my  people  I  wish  they  would  release 
me,  at  least  for  a  time,  and  employ  some  other  preach- 
er, that  I  may  journey  abroad.  You  know  we  are  too 
apt  to  be  uneasy. 

*  *  *  I  thank  you  over  and  over  again  for  you. 
letters. 

Cordially  yours, 


160 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

ATTENDANCE  AT  THE  MEETING  OF  THE  GENERAL 
ASSOCIATION   OF  CONNECTICUT. 

In  1814  Mr.  Haynes  attended  the  session  of  the 
General  Association  of  Connecticut,  as  a  delegate  from 
the  General  Convention  of  ministers  in  Vermont.  On 
his  way  to  Fairfield,  the  place  of  meeting,  he  visited 
the  city  of  New-Haven,  where  he  lingered  a  day  or 
two,  to  enjoy  an  interview  with  the  Rev.  Dr.  Dwight, 
the  highly  distinguished  president  of  Yale  College. 

On  his  arrival,  it  was  announced  that  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Haynes,  of  Vermont,  would  preach  in  the  Blue  Church ; 
and  at  an  early  hour  tlie  house  was  filled.  Mr.  Haynes 
was  introduced  into  the  pulpit,  and  being  very  desirous 
to  see  Dr.  Dwight,  he  carefully  watched  every  person 
who  entered  in  the  garb  of  a  clergyman,  to  see  if  he 
might  be  Dr.  Dwight,  whom  he  had  then  never  seen. 
One  came  in,  and  another,  and  another,  and  he  asked 
himself — Can  that  man  be  Dr.  Dwight  ?  and  he  men- 
tally answered — no,  no — for  several  in  succession.  At 
length  there  entered  a  gentleman  whom  he  pronounced 
unhesitatingly  to  be  Dr.  Dwight,  and  when  he  saw  him 
ascend  the  pulpit  stairs  he  was  sure  he  was  right. 
"  How  did  you  feel,"  said  one  to  him  afterward,  "when 
you  found  you  were  to  preach  before  Dr.  Dwight  ?" 
"  Oh,"  said  he,  "  I  learned  long  ago  not  to  fear  the  face 
of  clay." 

"That  sermon,"  says  Professor  Silliraan,  of  Yale 


RET.  LEMUEL  HAYNES.  161 

College,  "  it  was  my  pleasure  to  hear.  It  was  preached 
to  a  full  audience,  in  the  old  Blue  Church,  as  it  was  called 
(formerly  Dr.  Edwards's),  on  the  northeast  corner  of  the 
public  square.  I  well  remember  the  text — which  was 
in  Isa.  v.,  4  ;  '  What  could  have  been  done  more  to  my 
vineyard  that  I  have  not  done  in  it  ?  Wherefore,  when 
I  looked  that  it  should  bring  forth  grapes,  brought  it 
forth  wild  grapes.'  The  doctrine  obviously  flowing 
from  this  remarkable  passage  was  illustrated  and  en- 
forced by  the  preacher  with  dignity  and  feeling,  and 
left,  I  doubt  not,  a  happy  influence  upon  the  audience, 
both  as  regards  the  important  truths  illustrated,  and  the 
capacity  and  piety  of  the  preacher." 

An  intelligent  and  highly  respectable  lady,  who  was 
then  at  a  boarding-school  in  New-Haven,  and  was 
present  at  the  evening  meeting,  has  kindly  furnished 
the  following  communication. 

West  Springfield,  Feb.  26,  1836. 

Deah  Sir, 

It  would  afi'ord  me  great  pleasure  could  I  communi- 
cate any  thing  that  would  be  of  service  to  you  concern- 
ing the  estimable  man  of  whom  you  are  preparing  a 
memoir.  When  I  saw  him  I  was  but  a  child  of  ten 
years.  I  then  heard  him  preach  at  New-Haven.  *  *  * 
His  appearance,  the  simphcity  of  his  manner,  I  shall 
ever  remember  with  interest.  I  recollect  that  in  the 
course  of  his  sermon  he  broke  out  in  something  like 
the  following  strain  of  remark : — "  A  good  lady  has 
been  on  a  visit  this  afternoon, — have  you  had  a  good 
visit,  madam  ?" — "  Oli  ves,  a  charming  visit." — "  And 
did  you  converse  about  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  ?" — "  Oh 
no,  we  did  not  say  any  thing  about  Christ." — "  WTiat !" 
he  exclaimed  with  emphasis,  "  a  charming  visit,  and 
not  a  word  said  about  the  Lord  Jesus,  the  Saviour  of 
sinners  ?"  From  this  he  went  on  to  speak  of  the  in- 
difference and  guilt  of  Christians,  in  neglecting  to  con- 


162 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OP 


verse  about  the  Saviour.  This  has  occurred  to  my 
mind  hundreds  of  times  in  later  years,  and  I  trust  it 
has  been  and  ever  will  be  a  salutary  lesson  to  me. 

About  the  same  time  he  preached  before  the  General 
Association  of  Connecticut,  in  one  of  the  towns  west  of 
New-Haven.  My  father*  heard  him  on  both  these  oc-r 
casions.  I  have  often  heard  him  speak  of  the  latter  as 
an  interesting  season.  Mr.  Haynes  at  that  time  related 
an  anecdote  which  has  since  been  frequently  published, 
"  A  lady,  who  was  fond  of  gayety,  spent  the  whole 
afternoon  and  evening  with  a  party  at  cards,  and  other 
vain  amusements  ;  and,  returning  home  late  at  night, 
found  her  waiting-maid  reading  a  religious  book.  She 
cast  her  eye  upon  the  book,  and  read  the  word  '  eternity,' 
at  the  same  time  reproaching  the  girl  for  reading  such 
gloomy  books.  After  retiring  to  rest,  she  was  over- 
heard by  the  maid-servant  groaning  and  weeping.  She 
went  to  her  mistress,  and  inquiring  what  was  the  matter, 
'Oh,'  said  she,  ' that  word—that  awful  woTd,  eternity 
This  was  related  in  such  a  manner  as  to  make  a  deep 
impression. 

Dr.  Dwight,  sitting  in  the  pulpit  with  the  speaker, 
was  observed  to  be  deeply  affected,  even  to  tears. 

Yours,  &c, 

E.  K.  Hazen. 

Rev,  Dr.  Cooley. 

The  reader  will  not  fail  to  be  delighted  with  a  full 
analysis  of  this  very  interesting  sermon,  as  far  as  it  can 
be  collected  from  the  brief  skeleton  left  among  the  man- 
uscripts of  the  author, 


*  Rev.  Asa  King. 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


163 


SERMON. 

IsA.  v.,  4  : — "  WJiat  could  have  been  done  more  to  my 
vineyard  that  I  have  not  done  in  it?  ivherefore,  when 
I  looked  that  it  should  bring  forth  grapes,  brought 
it  forth  wild  grapesT 

Vineyards  were  very  common  in  the  eastern  country, 
and  composed  a  considerable  part  of  field  husbandry. 
They  were  made  in  very  fruitful  places,  and  required 
much  care  and  cultivation — often  expressive  of  that  care 
which  God  takes  of  people  in  this  world,  especially  of 
Israel.  A  vine  is  a  weak,  slender  thing,  that  cannot 
support  itself, — unless  it  bear  fruit  it  is  of  no  value,  as 
illustrated  in  Ezek.  xv.  Unprofitable  to  God — them- 
selves— saints — sinners — devils. 

A  great  naturalist  tells  us  of  one  single  grape-vine, 
planted  by  the  Emperess  Livia,  that  produced  one  hun- 
dred and  eight  gallons  of  wine  in  a  year. 

In  the  words  before  us,  we  have  God's  care  of  his 
people.  He  even  appeals  to  man's  own  judgment,  that 
they  would  decide  the  controversy  between  him  and  his 
people.  What  could  I  have  done  more?  &c.  What  is 
it  possible  to  do  more  ? — Sept. 

We  have  the  barrenness  of  men  under  Divine  cultiva- 
tion. They  did  not  answer  the  reasonable  expectations 
of  the  Almighty. 

There  are  two  or  three  important  points  that  are 
worthy  of  our  serious  consideration. 

I,  In  some  sense  God  does  all  that  he  can  for  sin- 
gers. 

II.  God  may  most  reasonably  look  that  men  should 
bring  forth  good  fruit  under  Divuie  cultivations. 

'HI.  Men  in  general  are  very  far  from  answering  such 
an  expectation. 

When  it  is  said  in  the  doctrine  that  God  does  all  that 
he  can,  we  are  not  to  suppose  that  God  does  all  that  it  is 
in  his  natural  power  to  do.  A  parent  may  offer  all  his 
estate  to  a  rebellious  child  to  reclaim  him ;  or  he  may 


164 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OP 


relinquish  his  authority.  So  God  has  a  natural  power 
to  give  up  the  reins  of  government  into  the  hands  of 
sinners.  But  this  would  be  inconsistent  with  God's 
holiness,  goodness,  and  truth. 

It  is  as  much  impossible  for  the  Deity  to  do  that 
which  it  is  inconsistent  with  his  moral  character  to  do, 
as  if  it  were  not  in  liis  natural  power  to  do  it.  God 
does  all  he  can  do  that  is  co?isistent  with  the  general 
good :  and,  should  he  do  more,  it  would  avail  nothing. 
God  has  adopted  the  best  possible  plan  for  the  salvation 
of  men. 

1.  God  has  been  at  as  great  expense  to  make  an 
atonement  as  he  could.  All  the  perfections  of  the  God- 
head centre  in  Christ.  More  than  if  he  had  sacrificed 
worlds. 

2.  Goi  could  hold  up  no  more  powerful  motives. 
Psal.  1.,  23.  Stronger  than  Adam  had  before  the  fall. 
John  X.,  10. 

3.  God  has  given  us  as  great  evidence  as  possible  of 
his  willingness  to  save  sinners,  and  thai  he  is  sincere  in 
his  offers  of  salvation.  Has  sworn,  Ezek.  xxxiii.,  11  ; 
Heb.  vi.,  18.  Has  actually  saved  some  of  the  chief  of 
sinners, — yea,  all  that  would  come.  In  his  conduct  on 
earth — in' heaven. 

4.  God  has  been  as  earnest  in  his  invitations  as  he 
could  be.  Read  Isa.  Iv.,  1  ;  Matt,  xi.,  28,  29  ;  John 
vii.,  37;  Rev.  iii.,  20;  xxii.,  17;  Psal.  xxiv.,  7;  Jer.  iii., 
.4;  xxxi.,  18,  19,  20. 

5.  God  has  broughfdown  the  oonditiong  as  low  as  he 
could. 

6.  We  have  as  clear  evidence  as  God  can  give  and 
we  receive  of  the  truth  of  religion." 

How  futile  the  Jews'  arguments  ?  Mother's  name 
Mary  ? 

7.  God  has  propiised  as  great  a  reward  as  he  can. 
All  he  has,  Luke  xv.,  31. 

8.  God  waits  on  sinners  as  long  as  is  consistent  with 
the  general  good.  It  would  be  injurious  to  others,  and 
even  to  sinners  themselves,  should  he  wait  longer, — 
viz.,  on  ^he  finally  impenitent. 


REV,  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


165 


9.  God  sets  before  men  as  gi-eat  threatenings  as  he 
can, — eternal  death. 

II.  God  may  reasonably  expect,  <Scc. 

I  looked,  stayed,  or  tcaited. — Sept.  Not  that  the 
Almighty  is  disappointed.  Things  are  just  as  God 
knew  they  would  be.  The  idea  is,  that  men's  bringing 
forth  fruit  is  most  reasonable,  in  itself  considered. 
Many  things  are  reasonable  that  do  not  take  place. 

1.  From  a  view  of  the  great  advantages  they  enjoy. 

2.  We  may  reasonably  expect  an  event  will  take 
place,  when  such  exertions  are  put  forth  to  produce  it 
as  would  effect  it,  unless  counteracted  by  the  most 
unreasonable  conduct.    2  Kings  viii.,  15. 

3.  From  a  consideration  of  their  relation  to  God. 
Isa.  i.,  2.    We  owe  all  to  God — mi/  vineyard. 

4.  From  the  ability  God  has  given  them.  If  we 
have  hands,  ears,  and  eyes,  'tis  reasonable  that  we 
should  use  them — 'tis  accepted  according  to  what  a 
man  hath.  The  service  is  most  reasonable.  Rom, 
xii.,  1. 

5.  From  the  great  reward  promised — even  eternal 
life. 

6k  From  a  view  of  the  faithfulness  of  inferior  crea- 
tures. 

7.  From  the  dreadful  consequences  of  barrenness, 
V,,  5,  6,  7,  10. 

III.  Men  in  general  are  far  from  answering  such  an 
expectation.  "Tis  the  general  complaint  in  Scripture. 
Compared  to  barren  trees — unprofitable  servants — 
Ephraim  is  an  empty  vine. — Hos.  x.,  1  ;  Deut.  xxx.,  32. 

God  destroys  whole  nations  for  their  barrenness, 
verses  following  the  text.  Ten  acres  only  seven  and 
a  half  gallons,  ver.  10. 

Christians  comj)lain.  Examine  the  conduct  of  men 
towards  God  —  others — law  —  gospel — under  means ; 
judgments.  How  do  they  improve  their  time — talents 
■ — ^faculties  of  soul  and  body  ? 

From  the  charge  that  will  be  brought  in  against 
men  at  the  day  of  judgment,  "Ye  gave  me  no  meat." 


166 


UFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


IMPROVEMENT. 

1.  'Tis  impossible  for  God  to  save  more  sinners 
tJian  he  does. 

2.  Yet  'tis  possible  for  all  to  be  saved. 

3.  A  reason  why  sinners  complain  is  because  God 
does  so  much  for  them. 

4.  The  wicked  do  much  to  oppose  their  salvation. 
What  could  they  do  more  ?  They  would  do  more  if 
God  would  let  them.    Jer.  iii.,  5. 

5.  God's  character  will  appear  glorious  at  the  day 
of  judgment.  He  will  let  it  be  known  what  he  has 
done. 

6.  Sinners  will  likely  be  damned, — since  God  does 
all  he  can  and  they  are  not  saved, — and  they  do  all 
they  can  to  be  damned. 

7.  We  should  do  all  we  can  for  the  salvation  of 
men. 

8.  All  should  examine  their  fruit — this  is  the  way  to 
know  Christians. 

9.  Sinners  should  repent,  and  make  it  possible  for 
God  to  save  them. 


EXTRACT  OF  A  LETTER  FROM  DAVID  JUDSON,  ESQ. 

Fairfield,  March  5,  1836. 

Sir, 

I  well  recollect  that  Reverend  Lemuel  Haynes  (the 
partially  coloured  preacher)  did  preach  in  this  place, 
before  the  General  Association  of  Connecticut,  as 
delegate  from  Vermont,  in  1814;  that  Dr.  Dwight  and 
Mr.  Goodrich  sat  in  the  pulpit  with  him.  Dr.  Dwight 
spoke  very  highly  of  his  sermon,  and  of  his  great  use- 
fulness in  Vermont — that,  in  his  attendance  with  the 
Association,  he  discovered  a  very  great  knowledge  of 
the  Scriptures,  and  was  almost  as  a  concordance  to  refer 
them  to  texts.    The  church  was  much  crowded  on  the 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


167 


occasion — and  the  people  much  pleased  with  the 
preacher.    *    •  * 

I  am  your  obedient  servant, 

David  Judson, 

extract  of  a  letter  from  reverend  president 
humphrey. 

Amherst  College,  April  5,  1836. 
Rev.  AND  VERY  DEAR  SiR, 

*  *  •  I  had  heard  much  of  Mr.  Haynes  from  my 
earhest  remembrance,  especially  from  my  mother,  who 
was  a  great  admirer  of  his  preaching  ;  but  I  never  saw 
him  till  1814,  when  he  attended  the  General  Associa- 
tion of  Connecticut,  as  a  delegate  from  the  churches 
of  Vermont.  I  was  then  pastor  of  the  church  in  Fair- 
field, and  the  Association  met  there  that  year.  It  was 
our  privilege  to  receive  Father  Haynes  (for  so  we  re- 
gcirded  him),  with  other  members  of  that  body,  as  an 
inmate  of  our  oAvn  house.  Though  my  time  was  very 
much  taken  up,  as  you  know  is  unavoidable  under  such 
circumstances,  my  recollections  of  him  are  very  dis^ 
tinct.  He  was  exceedingly  simple  and  child-like  in  his 
manners — sociable  and  shrewd  in  his  observations 
upon  men  and  things,  but  rather  inclined  to  keep  him- 
self in  the  back-ground,  notwithstanding  the  marked 
attention  he  received  from  all  the  brethren.  His  pray- 
ers in  the  family  were  characterized  by  great  humility 
and  spirituality,  and  his  conversation  was  highly  edify- 
ing. It  was  evident  that  he  had  been  a  diligent  stu- 
dent of  the  Bible,  and  that  he  had  an  uncommon  knowl- 
edge of  those  things  which  the  "  Holy  Ghost  teach- 
eth." 

Everybody,  of  course,  was  anxious  to  hear  him 
preach,  and  none  so  much  as  the  eighty  or  hundred 
ministers,  including  Dr.  Dwight,  who  attended  the 
Association.  With  a  good  deal  of  reluctance  he  con- 
sented ;  .and  I  believe  I  may  say  with  truth,  that  our 
expectations  were  more  than  answered.  According  to 
the  best  of  my  recollection,  he  used  no  notes,  but  spoke 


168 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


with  freedom  and  correctness.  His  sermon  was  rich 
in  Scriptural  thought,  perfumed  with  holy  unction,  and 
abounded  with  striiiing  illustrations.  It  was  from  that 
interesting  passage  in  Isaiah,  "  Look  unto  me  and  be  ye 
saved,  all  the  ends  of  the  earth."  Some  of  his  closing 
remarks,  as  I  well  remember,  produced  a  powerful 
effect  upon  the  great  congregation.  He  had  been  rep- 
resenting the  sinner  as  in  the  last  stages  of  spiritual 
disease — ^just  ready  to  sink  down  in  death  and  despair 
— unable  to  help  himself,  but  yet  capable  of  looking  to 
the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  for  help.  How  affecting  is 
such  a  condition  !  but  it  is  not  hopeless  !  "  It  is,"  said 
he,  "  as  if  a  child  was  so  very  sick  as  not  to  be  able  to 
go  to  his  fatlier,  nor  even  stretch  out  his  hand  for  help, 
nor  to  speak  a  word,  but  merely  to  look.  Such  an 
imploring  look  the  father  understands  perfectly,  and  all 
his  bowels  of  compassion  are  moved  within  him.  So^ 
it  is  with  the  dying  sinner ;  as  long  as  he  can  look 
there  is  hope.  Let  him  look  to  Christ  by  an  eye  of 
faith  in  his  greatest  extremity,  and  he  shall  be  saved.'" 
It  was  so  unexpected,  and  there  was  so  much  of  truth 
and  nature  in  it,  that  I  believe  I  may  literally  say, 
hundreds  were  melted  info  tears. 

By  the  grace  of  God  Mr.  Hayhes  was  what  he  was. 
May  you,  dear'  sir,  be  assisted  by  that  good  Spirit 
which  dwelt  in  him  so  richly,  in  preparing  tlie  me- 
morial of  him  which  you  now  have  in  hand  ;  and,  un- 
der the  Divine  blessing,  may  it  be  made  eminently 
useful,  wherever  it  shall  be  circulated  and  read. 
I  am,  dear  sir, 
Very  sincerely  and  affectionately  yours, 

H.  HuMPHREr. 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


169 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

DISMISSION  FROM  RUTLAND. 

It  was  a  sage  remark  of  Rev.  Robert  Hall,  "  that 
the  Christian  ministry  is  in  danger  of  losing  something 
of  its  energy  and  sanctity  by  embarking  on  the  stormy 
element  of  political  debate."  In  the  most  interesting 
period  of  the  life  of  Mr.  Haynes,  there  was  an  inter- 
ruption of  the  blessed  effects  of  his  ministerial  labours 
through  the  influence  of  violent  political  controversy. 
The  impression  made  throughout  the  United  States  by 
the  late  war  with  Great  Britain  was  such,  that  nearly 
every  freeman  was  identified  with  one  or  the  other  of 
the  two  great  parties  which  then  divided  the  nation. 

It  will  be  remembered  that  in  early  life  Mr.  Haynes 
took  the  field  as  a  common  soldier  in  defence  of  his 
country.  A  mind  like  his,  which  had  been  imbued  with 
the  spirit  of  the  American  revolution,  could  not  easily 
rest  in  neutrality  while  great  and  conflicting  interests 
were  apparently  rending  asunder  the  nation  for  which 
he  had  fought.  In  principle  he  was  a  disciple  of  Wash- 
ington. The  State  of  Vermont  was  early  agitated  by 
the  measures  of  the  national  government.  The  spirit 
of  party  rapidly  ripened  into  a  spirit  of  deeply-rooted 
and  unquenchable  rancour.  Mr.  Haynes  was  invited 
to  preach  on  political  occasions,  and  in  some  instances 
to  give  his  sermons  to  the  public  through  the  medium 
of  the  press.  He  talked  sometimes  about  politics,  and 
probably  with  a  keenness  and  sarcasm  which  were  felt. 
P 


170 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


His  talents  and  influence  he  consecrated  to  sustain  the 
views  of  the  immortal  Washington  ;  and  the  keenness 
of  his  satire  often  fell  upon  unprincipled  parasites,  what- 
ever might  be  their  political  creed- 

In  one  of  his  published  discourses  he  has  the  follow- 
ing paragraph : — "  A  dissembler  is  one  proud  of  ap- 
plause— will  advertise  himself  for  ofiice — dazzle  the 
public  mind  with  high  pretences,  like  aspiring  Absalom, 
*  Oh  that  I  were  made  judge  in  the  land,  that  every 
man  that  hath  any  suit  or  cause  might  come  unto  me, 
and  I  would  do  him  justice  !'  Such  devotees  to  ap- 
plause and  hypocrisy  will,  even  when  the  destinies  of 
their  country  are  at  stake,  be  to  a  commonwealth  what 
Arnold  was  to  American  freedom,  or  Robespierre  to  a 
French  Republic." 

Political  excitement  interrupted  the  harmony  which 
had  subsisted  between  pastor  and  people  in  West  Rut- 
land. In  some  instances  Mr.  Haynes  experienced  \m- 
kindness,  and  even  abuse,  from  unprincipled  men. 
From  such  trials,  however,  it  was  always  his  felicity  to 
come  forth  as  "  gold  tried  in  the  fire."  An  unprincipled 
man,  overtaking  him  in  the  highway,  accosted  him  in 
the  style  of  rude  impertinence  and  abuse,  as  follows  r — 
"  Mr.  Haynes,  have  you  heard  the  scandalous  reports 
that  are  abroad  about  you  ?" — "  I  have  heard  nothing," 
replied  Mr.  Haynes,  very  calmly. 

The  man  proceeded  to  state  the  evil  reports,  alleging 
that  they  were  true,  using  profane  and  abusive  language, 
"  You  see,"  continued  he,  "  what  a  disgrace  they  have 
brought  upon  your  character !"  Mr.  Haynes,  in  the 
spirit  of  his  Master,  "  when  he  was  reviled,  reviled  not 
again — when  he  suffered,  threatened  not."  He  passed 
on  silently  till  he  reached  the  gate  of  his  own  house. 


RET.  LEMUEL  HAYNES 


171 


when  he  turned  to  the  persecutor  and  said  to  him — 

"  Well,  Mr.  ,  you  see  what  disgrace  my  conduct 

lias  brought  upon  me,  according  to  your  account.  I 
want  you  to  take  warning  from  me  to  forsake  your  evil 
course,  and  thus  save  your  own  character  from  dis- 
grace." Thus  they  parted.  The  next  day  he  came  to 
him  with  humble  acknowledgments,  saying,  "  I  was 
wrong  !  I  was  wrong  !  I  ask  your  forgiveness." 

The  trials  which  ministers  are  often  called  to  expe- 
rience are  ordered  in  wisdom,  and  designed  to  brighten 
their  Christian  graces.  Hence,  said  the  apostle,  "  We 
glory  in  tribulations  also,  knowing  that  tribulation  work- 
eth  patience,  and  patience  experience,  and  experience 
Iwpe,  and  hope  maketh  not  ashamed." 

If  the  subject  of  this  memoir,  at  a  season  of  great 
party  excitement  and  political  phrensy,  was  wounded 
in  his  feelings  or  his  good  name,  it  was  only  to  shed  a 
lustre  around  his  Christian  character. 

"  He  loved  the  world  that  hated  him ;  the  tear 
That  fell  upon  his  Bible  was  sincere  ; 
Assailed  bjr  scandal  and  the  tongue  of  strife, 
HiB  only  answer  was— a  blameless  life  ; 
And  he  that  forged  and  he  that  threw  the  dart, 
Had  each  a  brother's  interest  in  his  heart." 

Mr.  Haynes  was  a  discreet  observer  of  "  the  signs 
of  the  times."  While  reasons  of  weight  pleaded  for 
his  continuance  with  his  beloved  church  in  West  Rut- 
land, others  of  greater  weight  seemed  to  call  for  his  re- 
moval. Upon  prayerful  deliberation,  he  felt  himself 
governed  by  the  indications  of  Providence  in  requesting 
a  dismission  from  his  pastoral  charge. 

Accordingly,  on  the  29th  of  April,  1818,  a  council 
was  convened,  and  the  pastoral  relation  by  mutual  con- 
sent was  dissolved.   The  result  of  council  closes  with 


173 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


the  following  ample  testimonial : — "  We  do  cheerfully 
recommend  the  Reverend  Lemuel  Haynes  as  a  tried 
and  faithful  minister  of  Jesus  Christ." 

The  parting  scene  was  deeply  painful,  both  to  the 
pastor  and  many  of  the  people.  He  had  taken  them  by 
the  hand  in  their  infancy,  and  laboured  day  and  night 
with  tears  to  promote  their  highest  interests  for  both 
worlds.  He  had  met  them  in  the  sanctuary,  the  prayer- 
meeting,  and  the  conference-room,  and  with  great  fidel- 
ity directed  them  m  the  way  of  salvation.  He  had 
been  their  comforter  in  the  chambers  of  sickness  and 
of  death,  and  in  processions  to  "  the  field  of  graves." 
In  seasons  the  most  deeply  impressive  and  interesting, 
when  the  people  wore  moved  by  the  Holy  Ghost  "  as 
the  trees  of  the  wood  are  moved  by  the  wind,"  he  was 
to  them  "the  messenger  of  the  Lord  of  hosts."  A 
great  part  of  the  church  were  his  spiritual  children. 
He  had  gathered  more  than  three  hundred  into  the 
church  under  his  pastoral  care,  and  had  seen  the  par- 
ish rise  under  his  influence  and  labours  to  a  state  of 
high  respectability. 

LETTER  I 

FROM  MR.  HAYNES  TO  DEACON  ATKINS. 

Rutland,  20th  May,  1818. 

Dear  and  respected  Friend, 
Attended  with  some  infirmity  of  body,  I  now  sit 
down  at  my  table  to  write  a  few  lines.  You  have 
doubtless  heard  of  the  event  which  has  taken  place 
with  respect  to  myself.  On  the  29th  of  last  month  I 
was  dismissed  from  the  people  of  my  charge,  with 
whom  I  have  laboured  more  than  thirty  years.  I  think 
I  gave  you  a  hint  in  a  former  letter  that  I  expected  it 
would  be  the  case.  It  was  by  mutual  agreement.  No 
impeachment  of  my  moral  or  ministerial  character  was 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


173 


pretended.  I  fully  acquiesce  in  the  event.  I  have 
many  calls  to  labour  elsewhere.  I  am  now  preparing 
a  farewell  sermon,  to  be  delivered  next  Sabbath,  from 
Acts  XX.,  24.  Never  was  a  greater  degree  of  stupidity 
discovered  among  us;  but  the  Lord  reigns.  •  *  X 
almost  hope  once  more  to  see  Granville ;  but  I  am  old, 
and  the  time  of  my  departure  is  at  hand.  Pray  write 
as  often  as  you  can,  and  don't  forget  me  at  the  throne 
of  grace. 

Yours  affectionately 

LETTER  II. 

TO  THE  PASTOR  OF  THE  FIRST  CHURCH  IN  GRANVILLE. 

Rutland,  20th  May,  1818. 

Rev.  and  dear  Sir, 
Your  kind  letter  and  book  by  Mr.  R.  were  thankfully 
accepted.  An  encouragement  of  another  of  your  la- 
bours on  an  interesting  subject  was  given ;  if  it  is  out, 
periiaps  I  may  receive  it  by  the  bearer.  It  would  be 
gratefully  accepted.  On  the  29th  day  of  last  month, 
by  an  ecclesiastical  council,  I  was  dismissed  from  my 
pastoral  and  ministerial  relation  to  the  church  and  peo- 
ple in  this  place.  It  was  by  mutual  agreement.  The 
council  gave  me  a  higher  recommend  than  I  deserve. 
Such  are  the  events  of  Divine  providence.  My  work, 
I  find,  is  not  quite  done.  I  have  many  calls  abroad, 
and  have  not  ceased  preaching  a  single  Sabbath.  The 
Lord  reigns.  I  am  now  preparing  a  valedictory  dis- 
course to  deliver  next  Sabbath.  Association  meet  at 
my  house  next  Tuesday,  and  I  am  preparing  a  "  concio 
ad  clerum,"  and  so  have  only  a  moment's  time  to  write 
to  you. 

I  have  just  had  news  from  Manchester,  that  a  good 
work  has  begun  there. 

President  Bates  has  come  to  Middlebury.  We  are 
greatly  pleased  with  his  singular  talents  and  piety.  I 
hope  he  will  be  a  great  blessing  to  the  seminary.  My 
heart  is  often  at  G.  I  cannot  be  wholly  weaned  from 
the  place  of  my  childhood  and  youth,    •    *    •  jyiay 


174 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


the  best  of  Heaven's  blessings  rest  on  you  and  family, 
and  the  people  of  your  charge. 

Remember  us  at  the  throne  of  grace,  and  believe  me 
yours,  in  the  strictest  bonds  of  friendship  and  labour  in 
the  gospel  of  Jesus. 

LETTER  III. 
TO  THE  SAME. 

Rutland,  13th  July,  1818. 

Very  dear  Sir, 
I  have  lately  visited  Manchester ;  there  is  a  revival 
there.  I  expect  to  be  with  them  next  Sabbath.  They 
have  invited  me  to  preach  there  six  months,  but  I  think 
I  cannot  go.  I  have  more  calls  than  I  can  comply  with. 
I  find,  since  my  dismission,  I  am  called  to  more  labori- 
ous service  than  before.  I  think  not  to  be  confined 
again,  as  I  am  old  and  almost  worn  out.  Perhaps  I 
may  alter  my  mind.  There  are  places  destitute  of 
preaching  all  around.  •  «  *  ]yjy  farewell  sermon 
perhaps  will  be  printed ;  if  so,  you  will  accept  a  copy. 

Faithfully  yours. 

Pray  for  us ! 

LETTER  IV. 

TO  DEACON  E.  ATKINS. 

Rutland,  23d  September,  1818. 

Dear  Sir, 

I  have  just  had  the  pleasure  of  reading  another  letter 
from  you,  and  cannot  be  too  thankful  for  the  pains  you 
take  to  inform  me  of  matters  among  you.  I  am  much 
delighted  in  hearing  from  people  who  were  my  former 
acquaintance. 

Your  account  about  the  daughter  of  Alderton  Pratt 
is  very  remarkable.  I  hope  more  will  be  learned  about 
her. 

Since  my  dismission  I  have  not  been  idle  a  single 
Sabbath.  I  am  astonished,  and  even  ashamed,  at  the 
pressing  calls  I  have  to  preach.  I  know  I  am  unwor- 
thy.   I  have  beeh  preaching  at  Hubbarton  and  Man- 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


175 


Chester  chiefly.  Told  the  people  at  Manchester  I  wish- 
ed they  would  obtain  some  other  man,  but  they  have 
renewed  their  invitation,  and  I  must  be  with  them  again. 
There  has  been  a  good  work  there  the  season  past. 
Meetings  on  the  Sabbath  and  at  conference  are  crowd- 
ed. Last  Sabbath  I  was  at  Fairhaven ;  preached  to 
a  most  solemn  congregation.  No  place  has  been  more 
favoured  with  the  influences  of  the  Spirit.  I  had  de- 
termined not  to  settle  again  in  the  gospel  ministry.  ^ 
am  at  some  loss  what  is  duty.  Your  family  will  ac- 
cept our  love.    May  the  Lord  guide  us  unto  death. 

Yours  sincerely, 

Lemuel  Haynes. 
P.  S.  I  am  called  to-day  to  visit  a  poor  young  wom- 
an who  is  going  into  eternity.    I  must  fold  my  letter 
and  hasten. 


The  sufferings,  support,  and  reward  of  faithful  minis- 
ters illustrated :  being  the  substance  of  two  Vale- 
dictory Discourses,  delivered  at  Rutland,  West 
Parish,  May  2Ath,  A.  D.  1818,  by  Lemuel  Haynes, 
A.  M.,  late  Pastor  of  the  Church  in  that  place. 

Acts  xx.,  24. — "  But  none  of  these  things  move  me, 
neither  count  I  my  life  dear  unto  myself,  so  that 
I  might  finish  my  course  with  joy,  and  the  ministi-y 
which  I  have  received  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  to  testify  the 
gospel  of  the  grace  of  God." 

Long  and  painful  experience  evinces  this  truth,  that 
the  present  world  is  a  state  of  suffering :  its  influence 
is  as  extensive  as  the  inhabited  globe.  The  fall  of 
man  points  out  its  commencement  and  duration.  No 
age,  country,  or  character  can  plead  exemption.  The 
gifts,  grace,  and  inspiration  of  the  great  apostle  of  the 
Gentiles  could  not  deliver  from  this  calamity.  He 
could  recapitulate  scenes  of  distress  as  well  as  antici- 


176 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


pate  troubles  yet  to  come.  Ephesus  was  the  metrop- 
olis of  what  is  called  the  Minor  Asia;  Paul  visited 
it  in  the  year  53 — preached  three  years — but,  on  ac- 
count of  dissensions  and  persecutions,  departed  and 
went  to  Troas,  and  from  thence  to  Macedonia  and  Cor- 
inth. Proposing  to  embark  for  Syria  at  Cenchrea, 
which  was  about  nine  miles  from  Corinth,  on  its  east- 
ern boundary,  but  fearing  the  Jews,  who,  understand- 
ing his  course,  and  that  he  was  carrying  money  to  Je- 
rusalem, which  he  had  collected  for  the  saints,  lay  in 
wait  to  rob  and  kill  him,  he  altered  his  course,  and 
returned  to  Macedonia :  visited  many  churches,  and 
came  to  Miletus,  several  miles  to  the  south,  where  he 
sent  for  the  elders  at  Ephesus,  that  he  might  have  an 
interview  with  them,  to  whom  he  gave  the  valedictory 
address  contained  in  the  chapter  from  whence  my  text 
is  selected.  The  people  at  Ephesus  were  acquainted 
with  the  peculiar  trials  of  their  former  minister,  which 
might  excite  sympathetic  and  distressing  feelings,  and 
perhaps  tend  to  dishearten  them  in  the  cause  of  reli- 
gion. To  fortify  their  minds  against  such  discourage- 
ments the  holy  apostle  gives  them  to  understand  that 
he  was  not  in  the  least  intimidated  or  turned  aside 
from  advocating  that  cause  in  which  he  had  embarked, 
but  was  still  adhering  to  those  important  truths  that  he 
had  heretofore  inculcated  at  Ephesus  and  elsewhere. 
This  sentiment  is  expressed  in  the  heroic  and  ecstatic 
language  of  the  words  before  us  :  "  But  none  of  these 
things  move  me,  neither  count  I  my  life  dear  unto  my- 
self, so  that  I  might  finish  my  course  with  joy,  and  the 
ministry  which  I  have  received  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  to 
testify  the  gospel  of  the  grace  of  God." 

The  method  I  propose  in  illustrating  the  subject  be- 
fore us  is, 

I.  To  show  that  ministers  of  the  gospel  receive 
their  commission  from  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

IL  That  they  will  soon  accomplish  their  work  and 
finish  their  course. 

in.  That  wherever  they  go  they  may  expect  to 
meet  with  trials  and  sufferings. 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


177 


IV.  That  lliey  ought  not  in  the  least  to  fear  or  be 
moved  from  the  path  of  duty  by  their  trials,  but  perse- 
vere in  their  work. 

V.  The  faithful  ministry  of  the  servants  of  Christ 
will  terminate  or  issue  in  their  great  joy  and  satisfac- 
tion. 

Paul  says  in  my  te.xt  that  he  received  it  of  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ.  The  same  apostle  is  very  explicit  on 
this  subject,  Gal.  i.,  11,  12  :  "  But  I  certify  you,  breth- 
ren, tliat  the  gospel  which  was  preached  of  me  is  not 
after  man.  For  I  neither  received  it  of  man,  neither 
was  I  taught  it,  but  by  the  revelation  of  Jesus  Christ." 
Again,  Rom.  x.,  15,  "  How  can  they  preach  except 
they  be  sent — "  No  man  taketh  this  honour  unto  him- 
self but  he  that  is  called  of  God,  as  was  Aaron,"  Heb. 
v.,  4.  In  the  early  periods  of  time,  preachers  of  righte- 
ousness were  called  and  sent  forth  by  the  Almighty. 
In  every  succeeding  age  God  has  been  carrying  on  his 
work  by  the  ministry  of  men  :  such  arc  called  prophets, 
apostles,  &c.  It  was  through  the  instrumentality  of 
gospel  ministers  that  the  kingdom  of  the  Redeemer 
was  promulgated  in  the  days  of  the  Messiah,  who 
gave  them  their  commission,  and  sent  them  forth  upon 
the  important  embassy,  see  Matt,  x.,  26 ;  Luke  x.,  3. 
Although  primitive  bishops  were  many  of  them  called 
in  a  miraculous  and  extraordinary  manner,  yet  this  by 
no  means  suggests  the  idea  that  ordinary  ministers  do 
not  receive  their  commission  from  God,  and  are  not 
equally  sent  by  him. 

The  appropriate  names  belonging  to  the  ambassa- 
dors of  Christ  illustrate  the  sentiment  before  us. 
They  are  called  steicards,  servants  of  the  Most  High, 
angels^  ambassadors,  &c.  These  characters  involve 
the  idea  of  negotiating  business  for  others,  and  of  re- 
ceiving commission  from  them.  Plenipotentiaries  are 
invested  with  full  power  to  act  by  the  court  who  sends 
them.  Angels  are  sent  from  heaven  to  be  minister- 
ing spirits  on  earth ;  and  so,  in  this  sense,  bear  a  rela- 
tion to  the  servants  of  Christ. 

The  faithful  ministers  of  Christ  are  engaged  in  the 


178 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


cause  of  God,  and  it  seems  suitable  that  he  should  ap- 
point them.  They  are  messengers  sent  on  the  King's 
errand  to  transact  business  for  him,  and  receive  their 
commission  from  above.  They  come  to  people  in  the 
name  of  the  Lord.  The  motives  by  vi'hich  the  faithful 
ministers  of  Christ  are  influenced  to  enter  upon  their 
work  are  not  congenial  with  the  natural  and  carnal  dis- 
positions of  men ;  no  wicked  man,  while  in  that  state, 
was  disposed  to  be  a  pious  preacher  of  the  gospel ;  so 
that,  when  any  are  inclined,  they  are  moved  thereto  by 
the  Holy  Ghost.  When  Paul  engaged  in  this  work  he 
had  to  contend  with  a  fleshly  and  selfish  heart,  did 
not  confer  with  flesh  and  blood.  Gal.  i.,  16.  All  those 
natural,  spiritual,  and  acquired  abilities  that  ministers 
possess  arc  from  God — he  directs  outward  circum- 
stances, by  which  a  door  is  opened  for  their  usefulness 
and  improvement.  When  Paul  came  to  Troas  to 
preach,  he  observes  that  a  door  was  opened  unto  him 
of  the  Lord,  2  Cor.  ii.,  12.  The  gospel  ministry  was 
an  ascension  gift  of  Christ,  Eph.  iv.,  8. 

Faithful  ministers  derive  strength  from  Christ  to 
preach  and  discharge  ministerial  duties.  They  are 
taught  to  go  to  him  for  help,  and  can  exclaim  in  the 
language  of  a  pious  preacher,  "  I  can  do  all  things 
through  Christ,  who  strengtheneth  me,"  Phil,  iv.,  13; 
who  could  say,  "  The  Lord  stood  with  me,  and 
strengthened  me."    2  Tim.  iv.,  17. 

Ministers  receive  directions  from  Christ  hoiv  and 
tvhat  to  preach.  They  are  to  preach  the  preaching  that 
God  bids  them.  Jonah  iii.,  2.  With  plainness  !  The 
trumpet  is  to  give  a  distinct  and  certain  sound.  They 
are  to  deliver  God's  messages  with  earnestness,  under 
a  feeling  sense  of  the  importance  of  their  work.  Jonah 
was  to  cry  against  Nineveh.  Isaiah  was  to  cry  aloud, 
and  spare  not ;  and  lift  up  his  voice  like  a  trumpet,  &c. 
Those  awfully  betray  their  trust  who  deliver  their  dis- 
courses in  a  cold,  formal,  and  lifeless  manner ;  as  though 
death,  judgment,  and  eternity,  and  the  souls  of  men, 
were  things  to  be  trifled  with.  Paul  could  tell  the 
eiders  of  Ephesus  that  he  had  not  shunned  to  declare 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


179 


unto  them  all  the  counsel  of  God,  ver.  27.  That  he 
had  kept  back  nothing  that  was  profitable  unto  them, 
ver.  20. 

The  servants  of  Christ  are  directed  by  him  how  long 
to  tarry  with  a  people.  The  dispensations  of  Divme 
providence  dictated  to  Paul,  that  after  three  years  con- 
tinuance at  Ephesiis,  it  was  lime  to  leave  them.  He 
that  sent  forth  primitive  evangelists,  gives  them  this  di- 
rection, Matt.  X.,  14,  15:  "And  whosoever  shall  not 
receive  you,  nor  hear  your  words,  when  ye  depart  out 
of  that  house  or  city,  shake  olf  the  dust  of  your  feet. 
Venly  I  sav  unto  you,  it  shall  bo  more  tolerable  for  the 
land  of  Sodom  and  Gomorrah  in  the  day  of  judgment, 
than  for  that  city."'  Ver.  23  :  "  But  when  they  perse- 
cute you  in  this  city,  flee  to  another."  Jeremiah  was 
directed  by  God  to  terminate  his  ministry'  among  his 
people.  Jer.  vii.,  17:  "Therefore  pray  not  for  this 
people,  neither  hft  up  cry  nor  prayer  for  them,  neither 
make  intercession  to  me  :  for  I  will  not  hear  thee." 
There  was  a  time  when  the  ministry  of  Hosea  with 
Israel  was  to  cease.  He  is  to  let  thern  alone.  Hos. 
iv.,  17. 

The  usefulness  of  a  minister  among  a  people  may 
appear  to  be  at  an  end  :  this  may  be  occasioned  by  the 
unfaithfulness  of  ministers,  or  of  people,  or  both  ;  there 
is  criminality  somewhere.  It  may  be  the  case  that 
people  may  make  violent  attacks  on  a  minister's  charac- 
ter, and  do  all  they  can  to  destroy  his  influence,  and 
come  forward  with  this  hypocritical  plea,  "  The  man's 
usefulness  is  at  an  end ;"  and  so  cloak  their  wickedness 
and  deceit  under  the  garb  of  religion.  The  great  clam- 
our and  hue  and  cry  against  the  church  and  sen  ants  of 
Christ,  are  from  high  pretences  to  sanctity ;  and  you  will 
find  that  those  who  make  the  widest  mouths  in  their 
vociferations  are  the  most  destitute  of  virtue  and  re- 
ligion. 

H.  It  was  proposed  to  show  that  ministers  will  soon 
accomplish  their  work  and  finish  their  course.  Paul 
speaks  in  my  text  of  finishing  his  course.  We  are  all 
on  a  journey,  travelling  into  another  -world.    This  is  the 


180 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


case  with  ministers  in  common  with  other  men-  They 
are  not  suffered  to  continue  by  reason  of  death,  Heb. 
vii.,  23,  They  run, fly  swiftly,  as  the  word  dramon  sig- 
nifies. They  have  an  object  in  view,  on  which  their 
attention  should  be  fixed,  "  even  on  the  things  that  are 
ETERNAL."    2  Cor.  iv.,  18. 

The  prophets,  the  apostles,  and  those  eminent  ser- 
vants of  Christ  who  afford  us  daily  instruction,  where 
are  they  ?  Do  they  live  for  ever  ?  No  :  they  ran  their 
race,  tliey  have  finished  their  course,  and  their  work 
on  earth,  and  among  the  people  once  committed  to 
their  care,  is  come  to  a  final  end.  St.  Paul  pursued 
his  work  with  diligence  and  rapidity,  like  one  in  a  race. 
Ho  visited  many  places  and  planted  churches.  Seven 
towns  in  Italy — in  Greece,  nine — in  Syria,  nine  cities 
— in  Asia  Minor,  ten — in  Asia,  fifteen — in  Egypt,  three. 
He  visited  seventeen  islands.  'Tis  said  that  he  was 
converted  on  the  25th  day  of  January,  and  baptized  the 
28th.  In  nine  years  he  had  travelled  1928  miles.  He 
had  preached  much  in  Arabia.  In  a  second  travel  he 
went  1744.  His  third  was  2154.  His  fourth  was 
3396  miles. 

He  travelled  much  more  after  this,  St.  Paul  is  sup- 
posed to  have  been  about  70  years  of  age  when  he 
died.  He  calls  his  life  only  a  moment;  that  the  time 
is  short.  The  lives  of  ministers  are  often  shortened  by 
the  trials  they  meet  with  ;  sometimes  they  are  actually 
put  to  death  for  the  sake  of  the  gospel :  they  can  say 
with  this  holy  apostle,  "  As  dying,  and  behold  we  live  f 
as  chastened,  and  not  killed  :  as  sorrowing,  yet  always 
rejoicing."  The  memory  of  a  Patrick,  a  Beveridge,  a 
Manton,  a  Flavel,  a  Watts,  a  Doddridge,  an  Edwards, 
Hopkins,  Bellamy,  Spencer,  and  Fuller,  is  precious  to 
us  ;  but,  alas!  we  see  them  no  more.  No  more  in  their 
studies  ;  no  more  the  visitants  of  their  bereaved  flock ; 
no  more  in  their  chapels  or  sanctuaries  on  earth.  They 
have  run  their  race,  finished  their  course,  and  are  re- 
ceiving their  reward.  Their  successors  in  office  are 
pursuing  them  with  rapid  speed ;  and  will  soon,  very 
soon,  accomplish  their  work.    The  labours  of  faithful 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


181 


ministers  are  of  tliat  nature  that  subjects  to  pulmonary 
and  many  diseases  incident  Vo  public  speakers.  Instru- 
ments there  arc  on  every  side  to  hurry  them  to  the  bar 
of  God,  and  put  an  end  to  ihcir  labours.  That  with 
propriety  they  may  adopt  the  language  of  dying  Peter, 
"  1  must  shortly  }>i.it  oiT  my  tabernacle."  .Since  I  came 
to  this  state,  which  is  a  little  more  than  thirty  years, 
twentv-seven  ttunisters  have  died  on  this  side  of  the 
Green  Mountain,  and  forty  have  been  dismissed  from 
their  people  ;  two  lie  dead  in  this  burying-yard.  Paul 
lived  nine  or  ten  years  after  delivering  his  farewell  dis- 
course. Mo.ses  continued  his  ministry  for  eighty  years. 
Noah  for  one  hundred  and  twenty.  Jeremiah  thirty- 
two  years.  But  iiow  soon  did  they  finish  their  course, 
and  bid  farewell  to  the  world ! 

III.  Wherever  ministers  go,  they  may  e.xpect  to 
meet  with  trials  and  sulferings. 

This  was  what  was  taught  Paul  by  the  Holy  Ghost, 
as  you  will  sec  in  the  two  verses  immediately  prece- 
ding my  text.  "  And  now,  behold  I  go  bound  in  the 
spirit  unto  Jerusalem,  not  knowing  the  things  that  shall 
befall  me  there :  save  that  the  Holy  Ghost  witnesseth 
in  every  city,  saying  that  bonds  and  afflictions  abide 
me."  We  are  taught  by  the  same  spirit  tliat  'tis  through 
much  tribulation  we  are  to  enter  into  the  kingdom  of 
God,  Acts  xiv.,  22,  Our  blessed  Lord,  when  he  sent, 
out  his  disciples  to  preach,  lets  them  know  that  they 
went  forth  like  sheep  among  wolves,  Matth.  x.,  16. 
Ezekiel's  licarers  were  to  him  as  briers  and  thorns ; 
as  uncomfortable  and  tormenting  as  thorns  and  briers 
are,  that  tear  and  wound  the  flesh  ;  hedged  up  and  arm- 
ed that  he  covdd  have  no  access  to  their  minds  or  influ- 
ence anion  a:  tliem.  The  wicked  are  compared  to  a 
hedge  of  thorns,  Prov.  xv,,  19.  God  says  of  people, 
"  Behold  1  will  hedge  up  thy  way  with  thoriig,"  Hos.  ii., 
6.  It  is  the  case  with  sinners,  that  they  are  so  preju- 
diced against  the  doctrines  of  the  gospel  and  the  ser- 
vants of  Christ,  that  it  is  dangerous  to  come  near  them. 
What  a  sore  complaint  was  made  against  Jeremiah's 
hearers,  Jer.  ix.,  8.    "  Their  tongue  is  as  an  arrow  shot 


182 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


out ;  it  speaketh  deceit ;  one  speaketh  peaceably  to  bis 
neighbour  with  his  mouth,  hnl  in  his  heart  he  layeth  his 
wait." 

If  we  trace  the  dispensations  of  Divine  providence, 
we  obtain  further  evidence  in  proof  that  the  servants  of 
Christ  may  expect  to  meet  with  trials  wherever  they 
go.  Paul  went  to  Arabia  ;  the  Jews  sought  to  kill  him. 
He  went  to  Jerusalem,  to  Judea,  to  Syria,  Cilicia,  and 
most  of  the  countries  of  the  Minor  Asia.  His  sufTer- 
ings  increased  upon  him.  A  minute  catalogue  of  them 
we  have  in  the  sketches  he  gives  of  his  life,  1  Cor.  iv., 
10 ;  he  observes,  "  We  are  fools  for  Christ's  sake."  An- 
other time  he  is  so  cunning  and  crafty  that  there  was 
no  dealing  with  him,  2  Cor.  xii.,  16.  Paul  suffered  m 
his  name  or  character.  Defaming  him  by  propagating 
falsehood  and  lies  was  not  uncommon.  People  had  the 
impudence  and  boldness  even  to  affirm  and  slanderously 
report,  that  he  and  others  said,  "  Let  us  do  evil  that  good 
may  come,"  Rom.  iii.,  8.  In  Acts  xvii.,  18,  he  is  called 
a  babbler.  "  The  babbler  is  observed  by  the  critics  to 
be  a  term  of  the  utmost  contempt ;  in  allusion  to  a  lit- 
tle worthless  chattering  bird  that  used  to  pick  up  the 
seeds  which  were  scattered  in  the  market-place." — See 
Dr.  Guyse  on  the  place.  They  pretended  he  was  a 
man  who  had  picked  up  a  few  scraps  of  "  learning  in 
different  places,  of  which  he  wanted  to  make  a  show ; 
and  as  one  who  was  fond  of  hearing  himself  speak, 
even  among  those  who  had  studied  more  than  he  had." 
—Dr.  Scott:  "  The  tongue  of  a  Tcrtullus  is  uncom- 
monly eloquent  (though  more  gifted  in  lying,  says  one) 
when  called  to  calumniate  Paul  before  a  Roman  tribu- 
nal. He  begins,  says  Beza,  by  a  diabolical  rhetoric 
and  flattery,  and  ends  with  lies."  Acts  xxiv. :  "  For  wc 
have  found  this  man  a  pestilent  fellow,  and  a  mover  of 
sedition  among  all  the  .Tews  throughout  the  world,  and 
a  ringleader  of  the  sect  of  the  Nazarenes  :  Who  also 
hath  gone  about  to  profane  the  temple  ;  whom  we  took, 
and  would  have  judged  according  to  our  law,"  &;c. 

Lying  abo\U  the  ministers  of  Christ  has  been  a  com- 
mon thing.    "  Being  defamed,  we  entreat ;  we  are 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


183 


vnade  as  tlie  filth  of  the  world,  and  are  llie  offscouriiig 
of  all  things  unto  this  day."  1  Cor.  iv.,  13.  "We  are 
become  the  purgation  of  the  world.  The  learned  ob- 
serve, that  the  persons  who  were  sacrificed  to  the  gods 
for  averting  their  anger,  and  for  procuring  deliverance 
from  any  public  calamity,  were  called  piirifieis,  and 
were  commonly  very  mean,  worthless  persons,  and  at 
the  time  of  their  being  sacrificed  were  loaded  with  ex- 
ecrations, that  all  the  misfortunes  of  the  slate  might  rest 
upon  them.  The  word  signifies  expiation.  The  apos- 
tle compares  himself  to  those  devoted  persons,  who 
were  sacrificed  for  the  purpose  above  mentioned.  The 
filth  of  all  things.  The  word  signifies  filth  scoured  off; 
to  .scour  off  all  around.  It  is  used  most  commonly  to 
denote  the  sweeping  of  the  streets  and  stalls,  which, 
being  nuisances,  are  moved  out  of  sight  as  quick  as 
possible." — Dr.  Macknight. 

Dr.  Scott  observes,  "  They  were  held  as  the  filth  of 
the  world,  and  refuse  and  scum  of  the  earth.  They 
were  considered  below  contempt,  or  as  worthy  of  exe- 
cration as  pestilence  and  nuisance ;  who  ought  to  be 
purged  or  extirpated  out  of  society,  as  the  common 
sewer  carries  away  the  filth  and  offscourings  of  the  city 
to  prevent  infection  and  disease.  Like  human  victims, 
peculiarly  mean  and  vile,  offered  to  the  infernal  gods, 
with  vehement  expressions  of  abhorrence  and  execra- 
tion." 

Paul's  enemies  thought  him  to  be  the  fruitful  source 
of  their  calamities,  and  could  they  only  be  rid  of  him 
their  troubles  would  cease,  their  gods  would  be  at 
peace  with  them.  The  united  cry  was,  "  Away  with 
such  a  fellow  from  the  earth,  for  it  is  not  fit  that  he 
should  live,"  Acts  xxii.,  22.  It  was  a  perilous  event 
with  this  holy  apostle  when  he  was  with  false  brethren, 
2  Cor.  xi.,  26.  Hear  a  detail  he  gives  us  of  sufferings  : 
*'  In  labours  more  abundant,  in  stripes  above  measure, 
in  prisons  more  frequent,  in  deaths  oft.  Of  the  Jews 
five  times  received  I  forty  stripes  save  one.  Thrice 
was  I  beaten  with  rods,  once  was  I  stoned,  thrice  I 
suffered  shipwreck,  a  night  and  a  day  I  have  been  in 


184 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


the  deep  ;  in  journeying  often,  in  perils  of  waters,  in 
perils  of  robbers,  in  perils  by  mine  own  countrymen,  in 
perils  by  the  heathen,  in  perils  in  the  -city,  in  perils  in 
the  wilderness,  in  perils  in  the  sea,  in  perils  among 
false  brethren ;  in  weariness  and  painfulness,  in  watch- 
ings  often,  in  hunger  and  thirst,  in  fastmgs  often,  in 
cold  and  nakedness."  It  was  not  the  least  of  his  trials 
that  those  who  professed  friendship  to  him  and  the 
cause  of  religion  should  turn  traitors,  and  become  his 
enemies.  How  painful  was  the  reflection  of  the  pious 
apostle  to  thhik  that  many  of  the  Galatians,  who  had 
given  recent  expressions  of  friendship  to  him,  had  so 
awfully  departed  from  the  truths  of  the  gospel,  and  be- 
come inimical  to  him  ?  See  his  affectionate  expostu- 
lations, Gal.  iv. :  "  I  am  afraid  of  you,  lest  I  have  be- 
stowed upon  you  labour  in  vain.  Ye  know  how, 
through  infirmity  of  the  flesh,  I  have  preached  the  gos- 
pel unto  you  at  the  first.  And  my  temptation  which  was 
in  my  flesh  ye  despised  not,  nor  rejected ;  but  received 
me  as  an  angel  of  God.  Where  is  then  the  blessed- 
ness ye  spake  of?  for  I  bear  you  record,  that,  if  it  had 
been  possible,  ye  would  have  plucked  out  your  own 
eyes,  and  have  given  them  to  me.  Am  I  therefore 
become  your  enemy,  because  I  tell  you  the  truth  ?" 
When  vindicating  the  cause  of  God  against  opposers, 
he  complains  that  all  forsook  him  at  first,  2  Tim.  iv., 
16.  When  the  professed  friends  of  God  forsake  the 
ministers  of  Christ,  it  is  attended  with  circumstances 
peculiarly  aggravating.  The  sweet  counsel  and  com- 
munion they  have  taken  together  are  now  interrupted — 
mutual  confidence  destroyed — the  parties  exposed  to 
peculiar  temptations,  which  renders  it  difficult  to  retain 
that  forgiving  spirit  manifested  by  the  holy  apostle 
when  all  men  forsook  him  :  "  I  pray  God  that  it  may 
not  be  laid  to  their  charge." 

David,  the  man  after  God's  own  heart,  was  tried  in 
this  particular,  Psal.  Iv. :  "  For  it  was  not  an  enemy 
that  reproached  me,  then  I  could  have  borne  it — neither 
was  it  he  that  hated  me,  that  did  magnify  himself 
against  me,  then  would  I  have  hid  myself  from  him — 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


185 


but  it  was  thou,  a  man  mine  equal,  my  guide,  and 
mine  acquaintance.  We  took  sweet  counsel  together, 
and  walked  unto  the  house  of  God  in  company."  Above 
all,  when  the  professors  of  religion  take  sides  with  the 
world  against  the  servants  of  Christ,  they  then  strength- 
en the  hands  of  the  wicked,  and  the  Saviour  is  wound- 
ed in  the  house  of  his  friends — which  must  excite 
painful  sensations  in  the  hearts  of  faithful  ministers. 
The  history  of  the  preacliers  of  the  gospel,  in  every 
age  of  the  world,  affords  distressing  evidence  in  proof 
of  the  point  before  us.  The  imprisonment  of  a  Ru- 
therford, a  Baxter,  the  sufferings  of  a  Manton,  Flavel, 
Whitefield,  and  their  contemporaries,  evince  this  truth, 
that  opposition  to  the  servants  of  Christ  is  not  an  acci- 
dental thing,  but  that  it  is  congenial  with  the  cori-up- 
tion  or  depravity  of  the  human  heart.  • 

Should  our  own  experience,  or  the  consciences  of 
any  present  prompt  them  to  declare  in  favour  of  the 
sentiment  that  has  engaged  our  attention,  such  evidence 
will  be  admitted  widiout  the  imputation  of  perjury. 
To  carry  on  their  opposition  against  Paul,  friendship 
to  Uie  gospel,  or  to  the  doctrines  he  preached,  was 
pretended ;  that  it  was  not  religion  or  his  preaching  that 
excited  their  dissatisfaction,  but  the  character  of  the 
man  ;  and,  could  they  be  rid  of  him,  they  would  be  ad- 
vocates for  the  same  sentiments.  This  attachment  to 
the  cause  of  Christ  was  the  motive  by  which  they  pro- 
fessed to  be  influenced.  They  would  therefore  employ 
and  hear  men  who  preached  Christ,  with  a  design  to 
carry  their  point  against  Paul,  and  render  him  con- 
temptible. Phil,  i.,  15,  16:  "Some,  indeed,  preach 
Christ  even  of  envy  and  strife  ;  and  some  also  of  good- 
will. The  one  preach  Christ  of  contention,  not  sin- 
cerely, supposing  to  add  affliction  to  my  bonds." 

III.  The  wretched  and  dangerous  state  of  uncon- 
verted sinners  is  another  source  of  distress  to  the 
faithful  servants  of  Christ :  this  caused  great  heaviness 
and  continual  sorrow  in  the  heart  of  Paul,  Rom.  ix.,  2. 
"  The  word  is  used  to  express  the  torments  of  hell," 
says  Mr.  Leigh,  in  his  Critica  Sacra.    The  history  of 


186 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


Moses,  of  David,  and  the  prophets,  yea,  of  the  blessed 
Saviour  of  the  world,  affords  painful  demonstration  in 
proof  of  the  point  under  consideration. 

All  gospel  ministers  know  experimentally,  in  some 
degree,  the  terror  of  the  Lord,  and  are  led  to  persuade 
men,  2  Cor.  v.,  11.  That  man  that  does  not  appreciate 
the  worth  of  souls,  and  is  not  greatly  affected  with  their 
dangerous  situation,  is  not  qualihed  for  the  sacred 
office.  It  was  the  saying  of  a  pious  minister,  who 
would  arise  at  midnight  and  retire  for  prayer,  "  How 
can  I  rest,  iiow  can  I  sleep,  when  so  many  of  my  con- 
gregation are  exposed  every  moment  to  drop  into  hell !" 
The  ambassadors  of  Christ  have  been  called  to  sacri- 
fice their  property,  ease,  character,  yea,  their  lives,  for 
the  salvation  of  men's  souls  ;  like  Paul,  suffer  the  loss 
of  all  things,  not  counting  their  hves  dear  unto  them ; 
being  driven  from  town  to  town,  and  have  no  certain 
dwelling-place,  1  Cor.  iv.,  11.  The  requitals  or  re- 
turns made  to  the  apostle  for  liis  benevolence  to  men, 
and  his  sacrifices  for  their  good,  was  a  bitter  ingredient 
in  the  cup  of  affliction.  He  was  cast  among  beasts  at 
Ephesus  to  be  torn  in  pieces — carried  the  scars  of  the 
whip  on  his  back — and  the  more  faithful,  the  more  ha- 
ted and  abused,  and  the  less  beloved,  2  Cor.  xii.,  15. 

The  consequences  that  often  attend  a  minister's 
leaving  a  people  are  distressing  :  God  frequently  gives 
them  up  to  divisions  and  carnal  dissipation,  to  heresy, 
and  an  awful  contempt  of  divine  institutions  ;  or,  if  the 
externals  of  religion  are  attended  to,  it  is  often  to  keep 
themselves  in  countenance,  and  support  a  character 
among  men,  and  they  often  sink  into  a  state  of  mere 
formality.  Oh !  how  affecting  to  a  pious  minister  to 
see  the  flock  that  was  the  delight  and  joy  of  his  heart, 
and  once  committed  to  his  chai'ge,  become  an  easy 
prey  to  the  enemy  of  their  souls  !  How  bitter  was  this 
leflection  to  our  apostle  !  Acts  xx.,  29,  30 :  "  For  I 
know  this,  that  after  my  departure  shall  grievous  wolves 
enter  in  among  you,  not  sparing  the  flock.  And  of 
your  own  selves  shall  men  arise,  speaking  perverse 
things,  to  draw  away  disciples  after  them." 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAVNE3. 


187 


The  analogy  between  cause  and  effect  suggests  the 
idea  that  tlie  servants  of  Christ  may  expect  to  meet 
with  trials  and  opposition  wherever  they  go.  They 
will  continue  to  preach  the  same  soul-humbling  doc- 
trines, perhaps  with  greater  and  greater  degrees  of  per- 
spicuity and  zeal ;  they  will  still  testify  tlie  grace  of 
God ;  they  will  have  the  same  kind  of  hearers,  wiiose 
hearts  are  enmity  against  God ;  and  so  may  expect  to 
meet  with  similar  treatment.  Paul  preached  the  same 
gospel- at  Jerusalem,  at  Macedonia,  Rome,  &c. 

In  a  word,  tliere  is  no  place  in  this  world  that  either 
ministers  or  people  can  find  a  peaceful  asylum ;  'tis  com- 
pared to  the  rolhng  sea. 

"  No,  'tis  in  vain  to  seek  for  bliss, 
For  bliss  can  ne'er  be  found. 
Till  we  arrive  where  Jesus  is, 
And  dwell  on  heavenly  ground." 

IV.  In  following  the  method  proposed,  I  am  to  show, 
lhat  whatever  trials  the  servants  of  Christ  meet  with  in 
finishing  their  course,  they  ought  not  to  fear  or  be 
moved  out  of  the  path  of  duty,  but  persevere  in  their 
work.  None  of  these  things  move  me  :  "  I  look  on 
them  as  mere  trifles,  and  make  no  account  of  them." 

He  did  not  account  even  his  life  dear  unto  him  :  He 
argues  from  the  greater  to  tlie  less.  If  the  dearest 
thing,  even  life,  was  of  no  value  compared  with  tlie 
cause  of  God,  how  diminutive  those  afflictions  that 
were  only  for  a  moment ;  especially  when  we  consider, 

That  they  suffer  in  obedience  to  the  commands  of 
God.  Ezek.  ii.,  6  :  "  And  thou,  son  of  man,  be  not  afraid 
of  them,  neither  be  thou  afraid  of  their  words,  tliough 
briers  and  thorns  be  with  thee,  and  thou  dost  dwell 
among  scorpions;  nor  be  dismayed  at  their  looks,  though 
they  be  a  rebellious  house."  Jer.  i.,  8  :  "Be  not  afraid 
of  their  faces ;  for  I  am  with  thee,  to  deliver  thee,  saith 
the  Lord."  Acts  xvhi.,  9,  10:  "Then  spake  the  Lord 
to  Paul  in  the  night  by  a  vision,  Be  not  afraid,  but 
speak  and  hold  not  thy  peace ;  for  I  am  with  thee,  and 
no  man  shall  set  on  thee  to  hurt  thee."  Luke  xii.,  4  : 
"  And  I  say  unto  you,  my  friends,  be  not  afraid  of  them 


188 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


that  kill  the  body,  and  after  that  have  no  more  that 
they  can  do."  Obedience  to  the  commands  of  God 
will  as  effectually  secure  his  people  from  eventual  harm, 
as  the  high  and  adamantine  walls  of  the  New  Jerusalem 
•will  the  inhabitants  of  heaven. 

The  example  of  him  that  spake  as  never  man  spake, 
should  be  a  powerful  incentive  to  encourage  his  servants 
in  their  work.  1  Pet.  iv.,  1.  With  what  persevering 
diligence  did  he  prosecute  his  ministry  in  the  face  of 
earth  and  hell,  until  in  dying  accents  he  could  eXclaim, 
"  It  is  finished  !"  The  cause  in  which  ministers  of 
Christ  are  engaged  may  well  excite  them  to  persevering 
faithfulness  and  fidehty  in  their  work.  'Tis  that  dear 
interest  for  which  all  things  were  created,  and  the  cause 
of  the  ever  blessed  God  in  three  persons  ;  for  which  the 
glorious  Redeemer  shed  his  precious  blood,  and  is  now 
pleading.  A  cause  in  which  all  the  dispensations  of 
Divine  providence  are  subservient,  and  in  which  all 
heaven  are  engaged.  The  character,  oath,  life,  yea,  all 
the  perfections  of  the  Deity,  are  pledged  for  its  defence. 
"  Lo,  I  am  with  you  always,  even  unto  the  end  of  the 
world.  Amen,"  Malt,  xxviii.,  20,  is  a  promise,  that,  to 
all  faithful  ministers,  at  all  times,  even  to  the  second 
coming  of  Christ,  is  as  replete  with  encouragement 
and  support  as  can  be  given  by  the  pen  of  inspiration. 

By  being  steadfast  and  unmoved  under  trials,  the 
servants  of  God  can  bear  an  honourable  testimony  in 
favour  of  religion.  This  is  one  way  by  which  God  has 
furnished  the  advocates  of  the  gospel  with  peculiar  ar- 
guments in  defence  of  the  truth,  and  has  made  them  re- 
joice and  glory  in  tribulation.  It  is  not  a  stoical  apathy 
that  reconciles  God's  people  to  sufferings  ;  not  because 
they  arc  not  susceptible  of  injuries,  and  ignorant  of 
abuse  ;  but  God  is  glorified  by  their  patiently  enduring. 
Therefore  it  is  that  the  language  of  the  persecuted  apos- 
tles was  so  appropriate.  Acts  v.,  14  :  "  And  they  de- 
parted from  the  presence  of  the  council,  rejoicing  that 
they  were  accounted  worthy  to  suffer  shame  for  his 
name.'"  From  hence  it  was  that  our  blessed  Lord  says 
to  his  disciples,  Malt,  v.,  11,  12,  "  Blessed  are  ye  when 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAVNES. 


189 


r.ien  shall  revile  you,  and  persecute  you,  and  shall  say 
all  manner  of  evd  against  you  falsely,  for  my  sake. 
Rejoice,  and  be  exceeding  glad ;  for  great  is  your  re- 
ward in  heaven :  for  so  persecuted  they  the  prophets 
■which  were  before  3'ou." 

The  ministers  of  Christ  are  frail,  imperfect  creatures, 
in  common  witii  other  men  ;  they  need  thorns  in  the 
flesh  to  humble  and  keep  them  low;  and  their  afflic- 
tions tend,  if  patiently  endured,  to  work  for  them  an 
exceeding  weight  of  glory,  2  Cor.  iv.,  17.  A  reason 
of  Paul's  being  so  useful  to  the  church  of  God  was  on 
account  of  his  being  a  vessel  chosen  and  formed  in 
the  furnace  of  affliction.  Perhaps  a  more  accurate 
attention  to  order  would  have  led  me  to  an  additional 
detail  of  the  suflerings  of  God's  people  under  a  former 
head,  such  as  a  body  of  death,  which  Paul  so  much 
complains  of:  this  made  him  cry  out,  O  wretched 
man  that  I  am  !  I  believe  this  is  the  greatest  enemy 
that  faithful  ministers  have  to  contend  with,  and  ex- 
cites the  most  painful  sensations.  Oh  !  the  pride,  the 
stupidity,  the  corrupt  passions,  the  selfishness,  that 
they  often  feel !  tending  to  draw  away  their  minds 
from  God,  and  divert  them  from  a  close  adherence  to 
duty.  These  are  trials  that  cleave  unto  us,  go  where 
we  will.  They  are  too  apt  to  be  intruders,  even  into 
our  solemn  acts  of  devotion ;  like  Abraham's  fowls, 
descend  to  mar  the  sacrifice,  and  'tis  hard  to  drive 
them  away. 

Ministers  of  the  gospel  need  not  be  moved  from  the 
path  of  duty,  nor  be  discouraged  under  suffering,  be- 
cause it  is  what  they  may  reasonably  expect ;  this  was 
suggested  by  Christ  to  primitive  teachers,  to  fortify 
against  despondency,  John  xvi. :  "  These  things  have  I 
spoken  unto  you,  that  ye  should  not  be  offended :  they 
shall  put  you  out  of  the  synagogues  :  yea,  the  time 
cometh,  that  whosoever  killeth  you  will  think  that  he 
doeth  God  service,"  dec.  "  But  these  things  have  I 
told  you,  that,  when  the  time  shall  come,  ye  may  re- 
memher  that  I  told  you  of  them." 

The  ambassadors  of  Christ  have  sworn  to  be  faith- 


190 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


ful — are  all  under  oath — and  for  them  to  betray  their 
trust  is  treason  and  high-handed  perjury.  Tlieir  pro- 
fession is  before  many  witnesses  :  "  In  the  sight  of 
God,  who  quickeneth  all  things,  and  before  Christ  Je- 
sus," &c.,  1  Tim.  vi.,  13.  What  is  a  life,  yea,  ten 
thousand  lives,  when  contrasted  with  that  sacrifice  that 
must  be  made  by  our  deserting  the  cause  of  God  ? 
The  great  and  sure  reward  promised  to  the  faithful 
servants  of  Christ  for  all  their  sufferings  should  more 
than  barely  support  them  amid  all  the  sorrows  of  hfe. 
Every  pain,  every  tear,  every  insult  they  bear  for 
Christ's  sake,  will  secure  them  a  great  revv'ard  in 
heaven,  Matt,  v.,  12.  The  wearisome  and  tiresome 
nights  they  spend  here  in  running  their  race  and  in 
finishing  their  course,  will  only  prepare  them  for  a 
more  sweet  repose  and  rest  at  their  journey's  end, 
when  the  morning  shall  break  forth. 

V.  The  faithful  ministry  of  the  servants  of  Christ 
will  terminate  or  issue  in  their  great  joy  and  satisfac- 
tion: "  So  that  I  might  finish  my  course  with  joy." 

1 .  They  will  have  the  approbation  of  their  ow^n  con- 
sciences, 2  Cor.  i.,  12:  "For  our  rejoicing  is  this,  the 
testimony  of  our  conscience,  that,  in  simplicity  and 
godly  sincerity,  not  with  fleshly  wisdom,  but  by  the 
grace  of  God,  we  have  had  our  conversation  in  the- 
world,  and  more  abundantly  to  you-ward." — "It  arises 
to  a  holy  triumph,"  says  Guyse.  Conscience  will  not 
be  an  idle  or  indifferent  spectator  at  the  day  of  judg- 
ment ;  it  will  have  peculiar  influence  in  accusing  or 
excusing  in  the  day  when  God  shall  judge  the  secrets 
of  men,  Rom.  ii.,  15,  16.  It  will  be  a  source  of  un- 
speakable torment  to  the  wicked,  a  gnawing  worm,  that 
will  never,  never  die ;  but  where  its  dictates  have  been 
held  sacred,  and  not  violated,  peace,  comfort,  and  holy 

'  rejoicing  will  be  the  attendants.  The  true  friends  of 
God,  amid  all  the  calumny  cast  upon  them  by  men  and 
devils,  can  say,  in  the  face  of  a  frowning  world,  "  "VVe 
trust  we  have  a  good  conscience." 

2,  When  godly  ministers  have  finished  their  course, 
it  will  end  all  their  imperfections  and  trials.  They 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


191 


see  so  many  defects  in  themselves,  so  much  self-seek- 
ing, iinfaillifulness,  and  ignorance,  that  they  often 
tremble  lest,  after  they  have  preached  to  others,  they 
may  he  cast  away — that  they  shall  fall  short  of  that 
heaven  they  have  so  often  recommended  to  others,  and 
have  their  dwelling  with  the  wicked ; — but  these  fears 
will  subside,  and,  to  their  surprise,  they  will  hear  their 
Redeemer  say,  "  Enter  thou  into  the  joy  of  thy  Lord!" 

All  those  sorrows  caused  by  the  state  of  impenitent 
sinners,  which  have  occasioned  them  many  wearisome 
days  and  nights,  will  for  ever  cease.  No  more  slander, 
no  more  stripes  or  imprisonments — they  will  be  out  of 
the  reach  of  men  and  devils,  and  obtain  a  complete 
and  everlasting  victory — and  shout  that  ecstatic  song, 
"  I  have  fought  a  good  fight,  I  have  finished  my 
course  !"  &c. 

3.  God  will  e^qDlain  to  them  those  things  that  now 
appear  dark  and  intricate  :  why  so  much  distress,  why 
they  must  be  made  the  song  of  the  drunkard,  why 
they  must  be  driven  from  town  to  town,  and  have  no 
certain  dwelling-place.  The  providences  of  God  will 
all  appear  harmonious,  calculated,  through  divine  ordi- 
nation, to  promote  the  highest  glory  of  the  universe 
and  their  personal  good.  "  Who  shall  not  fear  thee, 
O  Lord,  and  glorify  thy  name  ?  for  thou  only  art  holy  : 
for  thy  judgments  are  made  manifest,^''  will  be  their 
song  for  ever,  Rev.  xv.,  4. 

•  4.  It  will  afford  peculiar  joy  to  the  people  of  God, 
especially  to  the  ministers  of  Cluist,  when  they  have 
finished  their  course,  in  that  God  will  publicly  plead 
and  espouse  their  cause,  vindicate  the  doctrines  they 
inculcate  according  to  trath.  The  enemies  of  religion 
are  often  complaining  that  preachers  are  setters  forth 
of  strange  things,  too  rigid,  too  pointed  and  overhearing 
in  their  preaching:  tending  to  wound  the  delicate  feel- 
ings of  their  hearers,  like  goads  and  nails,  Eccl.  xii., 
11.  There  is  no  stopping  the  wdde  mouths  of  gain- 
sayers ;  but,  so  far  as  ministers  have  been  faithful,  God 
will  own  them,  and  vindicate  their  cause  against  the 
vile  aspersions  of  wicked  men.    Their  characters  will 


192 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


be  exonerated  and  cleared  from  those  hard  speeches 
which  ungodly  sinners  have  spoken  against  God  and 
his  people,  Jude  15. 

5.  The  senlence  that  will  be  pronounced  and  execu- 
ted on  the  wicked  will  afford  joy  to  the  saints.  In  this 
world  the  ministers  of  Christ  often  tremble  by  anticipa- 
ting the  misery  that  is  coming  on  sinners,  and  especial- 
ly on  their  hearers  that  disregard  their  admonitions  and 
reproofs,  and,  like  their  divine  Lord  and  master,  weep 
over  them ;  but  at  the  day  of  judgment,  although  pain 
and  misery  will,  in  itself  considered,  be  undesirable,  and 
an  object  of  displacence,  yet  their  holy  and  perfect  at- 
tachment to  the  divine  character  will  render  the  dis- 
plays of  vindictive  justice  glorious,  and  excite  praise 
and  adoration,  Rev.  xviii.,  20  :  "  Rejoice  over  her,  thou 
heaven,  and  ye  holy  apostles  and  prophets ;  for  God 
hath  avenged  you  on  her." 

6.  The  great  and  unspeakable  reward  and  honour 
that  will  be  bestowed  and  conferred  on  the  faithful  ser- 
vants of  Christ  will  be  matter  of  great  joy  :  it  will  ex- 
hibit the  condescending  grace  of  God,  and  excite  humil- 
ity in  them ;  they  can  scarcely  believe  that  God  could 
ever  take  notice  and  reward  such  poor  services  as  they 
have  done,  and  will  cry  out  with  wonder,  love,  and  praise, 
"  Lord,  when  saw  we  thee  an  hungered,  and  fed  thee  ? 
or  thirsty,  and  gave  thee  drink  ?  When  saw  we  thee  a 
stranger,  and  took  thee  in  ?  or  naked,  and  clothed  thee  ? 
or  when  saw  we  thee  sick,  or  in  prison,  and  came  unto 
thee  ?"  Matt,  xxv.,  37,  38,  39.  As  God's  rewarding 
the  saints  will  humble  them,  so  it  will  tend  to  fit  them 
for  the  world  of  everlasting  adoration.  One  great  de- 
sign of  the  day  of  judgment  will  be  to  exhibit  the 
riches  of  divine  grace,  which  will  excite  endless  songs 
of  joy  to  the  saints, 

"  The  more  thy  glories  strike  mine  eyes. 
The  humbler  I  shall  lie ; 
Thus,  while  I  sink,  my  joy  shall  rise 
Unmeasurably  high." — Waiu. 

God  will  make  it  appear,  that  those  who  had  trials 
of  cruel  mockings  and  scourgings,  of  bonds  and  impris- 


REV.  LEMtEL  IIAYNES. 


193 


onments,  that  were  stoned  and  sawn  asunder,  tempted, 
slain  with  the  sword,  who  wandered  about  in  sheep- 
skins and  goatskins,  in  deserts  and  in  mountains,  and 
in  dens  and  caves  of  the  earth,  being  destitute,  afflicted, 
tormented,  &c.,  were  men,  after  all,  of  whom  the  world 
was  not  worthy,  Heb.  xi. 

The  scars  and  signals  of  sufferings  in  the  cause  of 
God,  that  his  people  will  carry  with  them,  will  procure 
more  illustrious  monuments  than  pillars  of  marble  ;  they 
will  possess  that  kingdom  prepared  for  them,  and  be 
made  kings  and  priests  unto  God.  This  was  that  dig- 
nity to  which  St.  Paul  was  aspiring,  the  prize  of  the 
high  calling :  that  for  which  he  did  not  account  his  hfe 
dear,  honourable  unto  him.* 

Finally,  It  will  enhance  the  joy  and  reward  of  the 
ministers  of  Christ  to  meet  all  their  brethren  and  com- 
panions in  tribulations.  There  will  be  so  great  a  de- 
gree of  similarity  in  the  sufferings  of  the  servants  of 
God,  and  in  the  interpositions  of  Divine  providence 
towards  them,  as  to  excite  a  pleasing  and  holy  fellow- 
feeling  in  their  souls ;  the  celestial  spark  will  catch 
from  breast  to  breast,  while  an  harmonious  flame  of  di- 
vine love  and  adoration  will  ascend  as  from  one  altar, 
to  Him  that  hath  given  them  all  the  victory.  Ministers 
Avill  meet  the  pious  part  of  their  congregations  with 
great  rejoicings  :  those  especially  to  whom  they  have 
been  instrumental  of  saving  good :  Such  will  be  their 
crown  of  rejoicing  in  the  day  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  2  Cor. 
i.,  14;  1  Thes.  ii.,  19,  20;  Heb.  xiii.,  17. 

Paul  will  meet  with  his  brethren  that  were  at  Corinth, 
Rome,  &c,  A  more  public  and  interesting  rehearsal 
of  their  mutual  and  personal  interv'iews  will  be  attend- 
ed to.  What  reciprocal  joy  will  his  meeting  with  Tim- 
othy and  his  son  Onesimus  afford  !  The  parting  of 
the  apostle  and  his  Ephesian  brethren  at  Miletus  was 
painful  and  distressing ;  what  weeping  and  sorrowing  ! 
but  at  their  arrival  at  the  haven  of  eternal  rest,  what  a 
contrast !  No  fearing  that  they  should  see  each  other's 


*  The  Greek  word  is  Timian,  honourable,  prerions, 

R 


194 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


faces  no  more ;  nay,  that  once  naournful  parting,  and 
Paul's  valedictory  sermon,  are  recognised  with  emo- 
tions of  joy,  as  events  necessary  to  promote  the  further 
promulgation  of  the  gospel,  and  accomplish  the  decrees 
of  heaven. 

Ministers  and  their  people,  when  they  have  finished 
their  course,  will  remember  those  Bethel  visits  that  they 
have  enjoyed  in  the  sanctuary,  and  around  the  table  of 
the  Lord,  and  the  sweet  counsel  they  have  taken  to- 
gether ;  they  will  remember  the  seasonable  reproofs 
given  to  each  other,  ajid  whatever  differences  have  ta- 
ken place  between  them  will  all  be  forgiven,  and  for  ever 
exterminated  ;  they  will  see  the  wisdom  and  goodness 
of  God  in  all  these  things.  Thus,  when  the  ministers 
of  Christ  have  finished  their  course,  it  will  finish  and  put 
an  end  to  all  their  troubles  :  and  so  their  ministry  will 
end,  or  issue  in  their  unspeakable  joy  and  consolation. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

1.  Since  ministers  receive  their  commission  from 
Christ,  none  have  any  right  to  forbid  them  preaching. 
All  courts  of  inquisitions,  all  prohibitory  measures  adopt- 
ed by  men  to  prevent  their  declaring  the  glad  tidings 
of  the  gospel,  or  fulfilling  the  ministry  they  have  re- 
ceived of  the  Lord  Jesus,  are  an  insult  on  the  majesty 
of  Heaven,  and  discover  a  spirit  hostile  to  religion  and 
the  rights  of  men,  and  ought  to  be  treated  with  a  holy 
contempt  by  all  the  servants  of  Christ.  With  what  re- 
ligious indignation  were  those  presumptuous  measures 
treated  that  were  used  to  stop  the  mouths  of  those  re- 
corded in  Acts  iv.  :  "  And  they  called  them,  and  com- 
manded them  not  to  speak  at' all,  nor  teach,  in  the  name 
of  Jesus.  But  Peter  and  John  answered  and  said  unto 
them.  Whether  it  be  right  in  the  sight  of  God  to  hearken 
unto  you  more  than  ujito  God,  judge  ye.  For  we  can- 
not but  speak  the  things  which  we  have  seen  and  heard." 
Again,  chapter  xiii. :  "When  the  Jews  opposed  Paul 
and  Barnabas,  they  waxed  hold  in  their  work." 

2.  Since  ministers  receive  their  commission  from 
Heaven,  we  see  the  obligations  that  people  are  under 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNE8. 


195 


to  regard  ihem,  and  pay  attention  to  the  sacred  lessons 
they  are  to  inculcate.  To  reject  and  despise  the  am- 
bassadors of  Christ  is  very  dangerous  :  'tis  insulting  the 
sacred  Trinity,  and  accounted  high  treason  in  the  court 
of  Heaven.  It  uidicates  the  displeasure  of  the  king  when 
ambassadors  are  abused  and  recalled  ;  that  the  treaty  or 
negotiation  of  peace  is  closing.  2  Chron.  xxxvi.,  16": 
"  But  they  mocked  the  messengers  of  God,  and  despi- 
sed his  words,  and  misused  his  prophets,  until  the  wrath 
of  the  Lord  arose  against  his  people,  till  there  was  no 
remedy."  Let  the  enemies  of  God  fear  and  tremble 
when  they  read  the  credentials  of  Christ's  ministers, 
sanctioned  w^ith  this  capital  label  or  inscription,  Luke  x., 
16:  "He  that  heareth  you,  heareth  me;  and  he  that 
despiseth  you,  despiselh  me  ;  and  he  that  despiseth  me, 
despiseth  him  that  sent  me." 

3.  Since  ministers  must  soon  finish  their  course,  the 
thought  should  excite  them  to  the  utmost  faithfuln.ess, 
constancy,  and  engagedness  in  their  work,  seeing  their 
time  is  short.  We  can  scarcely  believe  the  senate  or 
legislative  department  to  be  the  place  assigned  to  gos- 
pel ministers,  who  are  to  give  themselves  w^holly  to  the 
work.  Paul  could  remind  his  Ephesian  brethren,  that 
for  the  space  of  three  vears  he  ceased  not  to  warn  every 
one,  night  and  day,  with  tears.  The  same  apostle  ex- 
horts Timothy  to  give  attendance  to  readin_g,  to  exhor- 
tation, to  doctrine.    1  Tim.  iv.,  13. 

How  desirable .  that  the  servants  of  Christ  receive 
such  a  decent  support  as  to  be  able  to  devote  all  their 
service  to  the  sanctuar\"  and  the  souls  of  their  hearers. 
Ever}'  sermon  should  be  a  kind  of  farewell  discourse. 
It  is  said  of  the  pious  Mr.  Shepherd,  that  he  used  to  sav 
that  he  never  preached  a  sermon  but  what  he  thought 
it  might  be  the  last.  •  Oh !  Kow  does  it  become  us  to 
preach  and  act  like  dying  men,  that  we  may  finish  our 
course  with  joy  !  . 

4.  It  is  no  evidence  that  ministers  are  not  the  true 
servants  of  Christ  because  they  meet  with  great  oppo- 
sition from  thd  world,  and  even  from  the  professors  of 
religion  :  yea,  it  was  from  the  high  pretenders  to  sanctity 


196 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


that  the  Saviour  of  men  suffered  most  severely.  St.  Paul 
observes  concerning  bishops,  that  "  they  must  be  of 
good  report  of  them  that  are  without."  Did  the  apostle 
mean  by  this  to  prove  that  himself  was  disqualified  for 
the  sacred  office,  being  of  bad  report  among  the  ene- 
mies of  God?  Tliis,  above  all  others,  would  disqualify 
Christ  for  the  ministry.  He  observes  to  those  whom 
he  sent  forth  as  preachers,  Luke  vi.,  22,  "  Blessed  are 
ye  when  men  shall  hate  you,  and  when  they  shall  sep- 
arate you  from  their  company,  and  shall  reproach  you, 
and  cast  out  your  name  as  evil,  for  the  Son  of  man's 
sake." — "  When  men  shall  revile  you,  and  persecute 
you,  and  shall  say  all  manner  of  evil  against  you  falsely, 
for  my  sake."  Matt,  v.,  11.  That  the  ambassadors  of 
Christ  should  so  conduct  as  to  give  no  just  occasion  to 
them  that  are  williout  to  reproach  the  cause  of  God,  is 
evident.  Doctor  Macknight  has  the  following  para- 
phrase on  1  Tim.  iii.,  7  :  "  Moreover,  before  his  con- 
version, he  must  have  behaved  in  such  a  manner  as  even 
to  have  a  good  testimony  from  the  heathen,  that  he  may 
not  be  liable  to  reproach  for  the  sins  he  committed  be- 
fore his  conversion,  and  fall  into  the  snare  of  the  devil, 
who,  by  these  reproaches,  may  tempt  him  to  renounce 
the  gospel,  knowing  that  he  has  little  reputation  to  lose." 
That  the  heathen  may  more  willingly  receive  him,  he 
being  formerly  a  man  of  good  reputation.  Consult 
Henry  and  Scott  on  the  place,  whether  the  learned 
commentator  has  given  the  meaning  of  the  text  or  not. 
We  are  assured  that  it  was  never  designed  to  fix  a  re- 
proach on  the  characters  of  the  faithful  servants  of 
Christ,  or  sanction  those  invectives  and  slanders  so  often 
cast  on  them  by  the  enemies  of  God. 

That  the  word  of  God  is  often  wrested  and  perverted 
by  him  who  is  no  stranger  to  the  art,  and  introduced 
as  an  auxiliary  to  his  evil  machinations,  is  evident,  even 
from  the  farce  he  attempted  witli  the  blessed  Saviour 
of  the  world.  He  can  say,  "  It  is  written,"  &:c.  It  is 
far  from  being  a  singular  case  to  have  people  make  and 
spread  false  and  scandalous  things  concerning  the  min- 
isters of  tlie  gospel,  and  even  to  offer  rewards  to  Such 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES, 


197 


as  will  join  in  the  game  ;  then,  to  accomplish  their  de- 
signs, have  the  audacity  and  duplicity  to  say,  "  Oh  !  the 
man  is  of  bad  report  of  them  that  are  without."  Was 
not  the  Saviour  of  men  betrayed  in  this  way  ? 

Let  not  his  faithful  servants  relinquish  their  work,  or 
determine  against  their  call  to  the  sacred  office,  be- 
cause they  have  so  many  trials  and  persecutions  ;  "  for 
so  persecuted  they  the  prophets  which  were  before  you." 
Malt,  v.,  12. 

5.  Since  ministers  receive  their  commission  from  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  'tis  dangerous  for  them  to  go  before 
they  are  sent.  'Tis  suitable  that  they  have  some  exte- 
rior evidence  of  their  mission ;  something  more  than 
their  pretensions  to  inward  sanctity.  Primitive  extraor- 
dinary ministers  could  exhibit  miraculous  testimonials 
of  their  being  called  to  the  sacred  office.  It  seems 
equally  necessary  that  in  all  succeeding  ages  the  am- 
bassadors of  Christ  have  some  kind  of  credentials  of 
tlieir  being  regularly  called  to  the  work.  We  therefore 
find  that  ordinary  ministers  not  only  appeared  to  be  in- 
wardly called  by  the  Holy  Ghost,  or  were  in  the  judg- 
ment of  charity  good  men,  endowed  with  ministerial 
gifts  and  graces,  but  were  recommended  and  set  apart 
by  those  in  office,  and  ordained  by  the  laying  on  of  the 
hands  of  the  presbytery.  Those,  therefore,  that  thrust 
themselves  into  the  work  without  these  prerequisites, 
do  not  come  in  by  the  door  appointed  by  the  great  Head 
of  the  church,  but  climb  up  some  other  way,  and  ought 
not  to  be  treated  and  encouraged  as  the  true  ministers 
of  Christ. 

6.  Since  all  true  ministers  receive  their  commission 
from  the  court  of  Heaven,  there  ought  to  be  a  cordial 
union  among  them  ;  they  should  treat  each  other  as 
brethren:  Although  they  may  have  gifts  differing,  the 
strong  are  not  to  despise  the  weak  :  they  derive  license 
from  the  same  authority,  bearing  the  same  signet — are 
called  by  different  names,  such  as  bishops,  overseers, 
ministers,  elders,  angels,  &c.  But  we  do  not  conceive 
that  they  are  expressive  of  superiority  or  diversity  of 
grades  in  office,  any  more  than  various  names  among 


198 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


men  imply  different  species.  The  soldiers  of  Jesus, 
deriving  their  commission  from  the  same  king,  and  be- 
ing engaged  in  the  same  cause,  should,  as  far  as  possi- 
ble, see  eye  to  eye,  and  strengthen  each  other's  hands. 

7.  We  infer  the  truth  of  the  Holy  Scriptures,  that 
so  accurately  forctel  the  trials  and  suffenngs  of  gos- 
pel ministers.  The  benevolent  embassy  with  which 
they  are  intrusted,  and  the  authority  with  which  they 
are  invested,  would  indicate  better  treatment,  were  it 
not  confronted  by  predictions  in  the  sacred  volume. 
While,  therefore,  the  enemies  of  God  slander  and  per- 
secute the  servants  of  Christ,  they,  in  a  degree,  estab- 
lish the  truth  of  Divine  revelation. 

8.  The  subject  teaches  how  to  account  for  that  firm- 
ness and  intrepidity  discovered  by  the  people  of  God, 
especially  the  ministers  of  Christ,  in  eveiy  age.  They 
will  not  give  up  the  cause — come  life,  or  come  death. 
This  rendered  Luther,  Melanchton,  Huss,  Jerome,  Poly- 
carp,  Wicliffe,  and  a  thousand  others,  invincible  to 
all  the  flatteries  and  intrigues  of  wicked  men  and  dev- 
ils, and  the  menaces  and  terrors  of  an  inquisition  :  they 
could  say,  "  None  of  these  things  move  us,"  &c. 

9.  There  will  be  a  very  solemn  meeting  of  ministers 
and  people  at  the  day  of  judgment.  Joy  and  terror 
will  attend  the  transactions  of  that  day.  Ministers  and 
people  will  meet,  as  having  special  business  with  each 
other;  their  reciprocal  conduct  will  be  publicly  inves- 
tigated. How  suitable  that  these  things  are  now  seri- 
ously examined,  with  candour,  before  the  commence- 
ment of  that  day. 

As,  in  the  course  of  Divine  providence,  a  dissolution 
of  the  pastoral  and  ministerial  relation  between  me  and 
this  people  has  lately  taken  place,  according  to  the 
declaration  of  an  ecclesiastical  council  convened  for 
that  purpose,  I  have  been  requested  to  deliver  a  vale- 
dictory discourse.  As  I  am  still  residing  among  you, 
the  occasion  is  different  from  the  one  that  took  place 
between  Paul  and  those  he  was  then  taking  his  leave 
of ;  he  tells  them,  that  he  knew  that  those  among 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


199 


whom  he  had  been  preaching  the  kingdom  of  God 
should  see  his  face  no  more  :  this  may,  or  may  not,  be 
the  case  of  the  speaker.  I  am  wiUing  to  say  some- 
thing on  the  occasion — which  I  esteem  solemn  and  in- 
teresting,— hoping  that  I  shall  be  enabled  to  address 
you  with  all  that  plainness  and  prudence  which  be- 
comes one  who  expects  to  give  an  account.  The 
apostle  reminds  the  Ephesian  brethren  of  some  things 
that  had  transpired  while  he  was  with  them. 

My  Brethren  and  Friends, 
The  church  of  Christ  in  this  place  was  organized 
forty-two  years  ago  the  20th  day  of  October  last,  by 
the  assistance  of  the  Rev.  Benajah  Roots,  my  worthy 
predecessor. 

It  was  thirty  years  ago  the  28th  day  of  March  last, 
since  I  took  the  pastoral  care  of  this  church  and  peo- 
ple ;  the  church  then  consisted  of  forty-two  members ; 
since  which  time,  there  have  been  about  three  hundred 
and  twelve  added  to  it ;  about  sixty  have  been  removed 
by  death,  and  about  four  hundred  have  died  in  this  so- 
ciety, including  those  above  mentioned.  There  are 
only  ten  of  the  church  now  living  in  this  place  who 
were  here  when  I  first  came  among  you ;  the  greater 
part  sleep  in  death.  I  have  preached  about  five  thou- 
sand five  hundred  discourses  :  four  hundred  of  them 
have  been  funeral  sermons.  I  have  solemnized  more 
than  a  hundred  marriages.  During  this  period  we 
have  had  two  remarkable  seasons  of  the  outpourings 
of  the  Spirit,  as  well  as  some  refreshings  at  other  times, 
which  many  of  us  who  are  yet  alive  recognise  with 
emotions  of  joy.  Twice  I  have  been  brought,  in  my 
own  apprehensions,  to  the  borders  of  the  grave  ;  but 
God  has  spared  me  to  see  this  day  of  trial,  which  I 
desire  to  meet  with  resignation  to  his  will. 

The  flower  of  my  life  has  been  devoted  to  your  ser- 
vice— and  while  I  lament  a  thousand  imperfections 
which  have  attended  my  ministry,  yet,  if  I  am  not  de- 
ceived, it  has  been  my  hearty  desire  to  do  something 
for  the  salvation  of  your  souls.    He  that  provided  the 


200 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


motto  of  our  discourse  could  say,  on  his  farewell,  "  I 
have  coveted  no  man's  silver,  or  gold,  or  apparel.  Yea, 
ye  yourselves  knovv^  that  these  hands  have  ministered 
unto  my  necessity."  The  appropriation  of  such  lan- 
guage is,  in  a  degree,  congenial  with  the  testimony  that 
many  present  could  give,  and  might  be  admitted,  were 
it  not  for  the  danger  of  comparison.  I  have  sometimes 
thought  that  perhaps  God  designed  that  I  should  spend 
the  few  of  my  remaining  days  among  you  ;  and,  with  a 
degree  of  satisfaction,  I  have  looked  into  the  repository 
of  the  dead  adjoining  this  house,  intending  to  sleep 
with  them  ;  claiming  a  sort  of  kindred  dust,  intending 
to  rise  with  them  ;  but  the  ways  of  God  are  mysteri- 
ous, who  often  destroys  the  hope  of  man.  In  my  soli- 
tary reflections  I  cast  a  look  towards  this  house  to  bid 
it  a  final  adieu ;  but,  in  spite  of  all  that  fortitude,  dicta- 
ted by  reason  and  religion,  can  do,  the  sympathetic  tear 
will  betray  the  imbecility  of  human  nature.  Can  we 
suppose  that  even  a  Paul  was  unmoved  when  "  They  all 
wept  sore,  and  fell  on  his  neck,  sorrowing  most  of  all 
that  they  should  see  his  face  no  more  ?"  Acts  xx.,  37,  38. 

A  three  years  ministry  had  excited  such  reciprocal 
endearments  as  made  the  parting  like  tearing  soul 
and  body  asunder.  More  than  one  thousand  five  hun- 
dred Sabbaths  have  I  spent  with  you,  the  most  of  them 
in  this  house.  More  than  one  hundred  and  thirty  sea- 
sons of  communion  have  we  enjoyed  around  the  table 
of  the  Lord.  Oh!  how  many  sweet  and  comfortable 
days  have  I  spent  in  this  house  with  you  that  are  alive, 
and  those  who  are  dead  !  We  have  taken  sweet  coun- 
sel together ;  I  trust  I  have  at  times  felt  the  powerful 
presence  of  Christ,  while  speaking  from  this  desk ;  can- 
not we  adopt  the  language  of  the  Psalmist, 

"  'Tis  with  a  mournful  pleasure  now, 
I  think  on  ancient  days  : 
When  to  thy  house  did  numbers  go, 
And  all  our  work  was  praise?" 

It  appears  in  the  course  of  Divine  providence  that  my 
labours  among  you  have  come  to  an  end.  We  have 
done  meeting  in  this  house ;  I  am  called  to  give  you 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES; 


201 


the  parting  hand ;  but  let  us  all  remember  that  a  very 
solemn  meeting  awaits  us  at  that  day  suggested  in  my 
text,  when  we  shall  all  have  finished  our  course. 

Our  meeting  at  that  day  will  greatly  differ  from  what 
it  has  been  in  this  house  :  I  have  often  been  here  and 
found  but  few  within  these  walls ;  some  trifling  excuse 
has  detained  you ;  but  at  that  day  it  will  not  be  option- 
al with  people  whether  they  attend  or  not ;  all  will  be 
there  ;  the  congregation  will  be  full,  not  one  in  a  town, 
state,  or  in  the  world,  but  what  will  appear.  Some- 
times you  have  manifested  great  stupidity,  and  I  have 
■witnessed  drowsiness  and  carelessness  while  I  have 
been  speaking ;  but  at  that  day  you  will  be  awake  and 
be  all  attention.  You  will  believe,  realize,  and  feel  in- 
terested in  the  things  exhibited.  Often  through  the  de- 
pravity of  the  human  heart,  and  the  prejudice  that  sin- 
ners have  to  the  truth,  and  to  the  servants  of  Christ, 
they  will  turn  their  backs  on  divine  worship,  and  leave 
the  house  of  God  :  But  when  ministers  and  people  meet 
before  the  tribunal  of  Christ,  there  will  be  no  deserting 
or  quitting  the  assembly ;  there  they  must  hear,  however 
disagreeable  their  preaching  will  be,  and  tormenting  to 
their  consciences.  In  this  house  our  meeting  has  been 
promiscuous  or  indiscriminate ;  saints  and  sinners  sit 
on  the  same  seat,  around  the  same  table ;  we  cannot 
certainly  say  who  has  and  who  has  not  on  the  wedding 
garment ;  but  at  the  day  of  judgment  there  will  be  an 
exact  separation ;  Christ  will  separate  the  sheep  from 
the  goats. 

In  this  house  we  have  often  met,  not  less  than  four 
thousand  times ;  we  go  and  we  come  :  Although  we 
see  no  fruit  of  our  labour,  we  do  not  wholly  despair  ;  we 
hope  God  may  yet  bless  his  word  ;  but  when  ministers 
and  people  meet  before  the  bar  of  God,  it  will  be  the 
last  interview,  none  to  follow  it :  The  case  of  sinners 
will  then  be  for  ever  hopeless  and  helpless. 

One  great  design  of  our  meeting  together  in  this 
world  is  to  offer  salvation  to  sinners,  to  entreat  and  to 
beseech  them  to  be  reconciled  to  God ;  but  at  the  day 
of  judgment  an  irreversible  sentence  will  be  pronounced 


202 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


on  the  righteous  and  on  the  wicked ;  the  saints  will  be 
rewarded,  and  sinners  condemned,  and  sent  to  endless 
perdition. 

When  the  ambassadors  of  Christ  have  finished  their 
course,  and  meet  their  people,  a  critical  examination  will 
take  place  :  I  must  give  an  account  concerning  the  mo- 
tives which  influenced  me  to  come  among  you,  and  how 
I  have  conducted  during  my  thirty  years  residence  in 
this  place  :  the  doctrines  I  have  inculcated :  whether  I 
have  designedly  kept  back  any  thing  that  might  be  prof- 
itable to  you,  or  have,  through  fear  of  man,  or  any  other 
criminal  cause,  shunned  to  declare  the  whole  counsel 
of  God.  Also,  as  to  the  manner  of  my  preaching, 
whether  I  have  delivered  my  discourses  in  a  cold,  for- 
mal manner  ;  and  of  mv  external  deportment.  You,  who 
have  been  the  people  of  my  charge,  must  give  an  ac- 
count what  improvement  you  have  made  of  my  minis- 
try ;  whether  you  have  attended  as  you  ought ;  whether 
your  excuses  for  withdrawing  from  public  worship  at 
any  time  were  sufficient.  God  w^ill  attend  to  them, 
and  they  will  be  weighed  in  a  just  balance  ;  not  a  single 
neglect  will  escape  divine  notice.  We  have  a  thousand 
excuses,  which,  when  put  in  the  scale  of  the  sanctuary, 
will  be  lighter  than  a  feather. 

You  must  give  a  strict  account  as  to  the  manner  of 
your  attending  in  this  house  :  whether  you  have  receiv- 
ed the  word  with  joy,  and  obeyed  its  precepts.  Pa- 
rents must  render  an  account,  whether  they  have  taught 
their  children,  by  precept  and  example,  to  reverence 
the  word  of  God,  and  respect  the  servants  of  Christ. 
Whether  they  have  endeavoured  to  maintain  or  support 
the  influence  of  their  minister  among  the  youth  or  rising 
generation,  and  so  been  workers  together  with  him. 
Whether  the  servants  of  Christ  do  not  fall  into  contempt 
in  a  measure  through  their  instrumentality.  People  will 
be  examined  whether  they  have  contributed  to  the  tem- 
poral support  of  the  ministers  of  Christ ;  it  will  not  be 
left  with  men  how  much  they  ought  to  impart ;  but  God 
will  be  the  judge  how  much  was  suitable,  and  whether 
it  was  agreeable  to  the  word  of  God,  and  the  exigences 
of  the  preacher. 


REV,  LEMUEL  HAYNE8. 


203 


On  the  separation  of  a  minister  from  his  people,  there 
are  often  very  criminal  causes  existing,  either  on  the 
part  of  the  minister  or  people,  or  both.  There  may  be 
pretended  reasons,  while  the  truth  may  be  kept  out  of 
sight,  to  escape  censure.  Ecclesiastical  councils  may 
think  it  inexpedient  to  make  any  inquiry  into  the  mat- 
ter; but  they  will  have  a  plain,  candid,  and  thorough 
investigation  before  the  tribunal  of  Christ.  No  decep- 
tion, no  hypocrisy  will  be  concealed  under  religious 
pretences 4  but  it  will  all  be  detected  and  exposed  be- 
fore the  assembled  universe,  and  the  hearts  of  all  men 
be  revealed. 

"Nothing  but  truth  before  his  throne, 
With  honour  can  appear ; 
The  painted  hypocrites  are  known, 
Through  the  disguise  they  wear." 

The  accusations  brought  against  the  ministers  of 
Christ  will  be  examined.  Ministers  will  fare  no  better 
for  the  name  they  sustain  ;  their  wickedness  will  be  ex- 
posed ;  they  condemned  or  exonerated,  not  according  to 
popular  noise  and  clamour,  but  coincident  to  truth  and 
equity.  These  are  scenes,  my  brethren,  that  are  just 
opening  before  us,  and  to  which  we  are  hastening  with 
the  utmost  rapidity.  These  are  things  that  should 
move  us,  and  call  up  our  attention.  It  is  a  small,  very 
small  thing  to  be  judged  of  man's  judgment.  Oh  !  let 
us  labour  to  be  found  of  God  in  peace.  This  day  to 
me  in  some  respects  is  very  solemn  and  interesting,  on 
which  I  am  called  to  give  you  the  parting  hand ;  but 
its  importance  is  eclipsed  when  contrasted  with  tliat 
awful  period  when  we  are  to  meet  before  Him  who  is 
to  judge  the  quick  and  the  dead. 

There  you  and  I  must  shortly  appear.  Much  has 
been  said  on  the  subject  of  my  dismission — that  it  has 
been  in  consequence  of  my  request.  I  think  I  have 
been  sufficiently  explicit  on  the  matter ;  but  I  am  wil- 
ling to  repeat  it  in  this  public  manner,  that,  had  the 
people  been  united,  wholesome  discipline  properly  ex- 
ercised, a  firm  and  unshaken  attachment  to  the  cause  of 
God  manifested  among  all  the  professors  of  religion, 


204 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


I  should  have  chosen  to  continue  with  you  at  the  ex- 
pense of  temporal  emolument;  but,  considering  the  di- 
visions existing,  and  the  uncommon  stupidity  preva- 
lent, I  have  been  fully  satisfied  that  it  Avas  my  duty  to 
be  dismissed,  and  have  requested  my  friends  not  to  op- 
pose it.  I  am  persuaded  that  it  will  appear  another 
day  that  unfaithfulness  in  the  minister  did  not  originate 
the  event,  to  the  exclusion  of  criminal  causes  in  this 
society ;  but  this  matter  is  laid  over  to  the  day  of  final 
decision.  I  trust  I  feel  in  a  degree  reconciled,  know- 
ing that  God's  way  is  in  the  sea  and  in  the  deep  waters, 
and  his  footsteps  are  unknown. 

I  find  my  strength  in  a  degree  inadequate  to  itinerant 
labours,  and  that  I  am  shortly  to  put  off  this  my  taber- 
nacle ;  but  I  purpose,  so  long  as  life  and  health  con- 
tinue, to  preach  the  same  gospel  that  I  have  been  pub- 
lishing to  you  for  more  than  thirty  years,  and  on  which, 
I  humbly  hope,  I  have  ventured  my  eternal  salvation. 
Oh  that  I  may  be  enabled  to  discharge  the  duty  with 
greater  zeal  and  fidelity  !  And  now  I  am  called  to  go, 
not  to  Jerusalem,  but  from  place  to  place,  not  knowing 
the  things  that  shall  befall  me,  saving  what  the  Holy 
Ghost  and  the  providence  of  God  witnesseth  in  every 
city,  that  trials  await  me ;  but  I  hope  I  can  in  some 
small  degree  say,  "  But  none  of  these  things  move  me, 
neither  count  I  my  life  dear  unto  myself,  so  that  I 
might  finish  my  course  with  joy,  and  the  ministry  which 
I  have  received  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  to  testify  the  gospel 


My  dear  brethren  and  friends,  I  did  not  realize  my 
attachment  to  you  before  the  parting  time  came.  Many 
disagreeable  things  have  taken  place ;  but  still  I  feel 
my  heart  going  out  towards  this  people.    How  many 

?leasant  days  have  I  spent  with  you  in  this  house! 
low  many  hours  under  your  roofs,  and  delightful  visits 
in  your  families  !  I  will  not  except  a  single  door  that 
has  not  been  hospitably  opened  for  my  reception. 
Many  kindnesses  have  I  received  from  you,  both  in 
sickness  and  in  health.  You  will  accept  my  warmest 
gratitude  for  the  many  instances  of  kindness  shown 


of  til 


)f  God." 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


205 


me.  I  hope,  my  dear  brethren  and  sisters  in  the  Lord, 
that  you  will  still  remember  me  at  the  throne  of  grace ; 
that  God  would  support  me  under  every  trial,  and  that 
he  would  render  the  evening  of  my  life  useful  to  the 
church  of  God :  that  utterance  may  be  given  unto  me, 
that  I  may  open  my  mouth  boldly  to  make  known  the 
mystery  of  the  gospel. 

May  the  Great  Head  of  the  church  send  you  a  pastor 
after  his  own  heart,  vastly  superior  in  gifts  and  grace  to 
him  who  is  giving  you  his  farewell  address.  'Tis  a  dis- 
tressing thought  to  think  that  I  am  about  to  leave  any 
of  you  m  an  unconverted  state, — that  my  labour  among 
you  will  prove  to  your  heavier  condemnation.  Partic- 
ularly let  me  call  on  you  that  are  young :  this  house 
and  your  own  consciences  are  witnesses  that  I  have  re- 
peatedly called  on  you  to  attend  to  the  important  con- 
cerns of  your  never,  never  dying  souls,  and  I  fear  too 
many  of  you  in  vain.  Have  you  not  turned  a  deaf  ear 
to  the  calls  and  invitations  of  the  gospel,  and  to  the  sol- 
em.n  w-arnings  of  God  in  his  providence  ?  I  fear  you 
are  going  down  to  eternal  destruction,  under  the  intoler- 
able weight  of  aggravated  sins.  I  will  now,  perhaps 
for  the  last  time,  invite  you  to  Jesus,  the  God-man 
Mediator.  Some  of  your  parents,  on  a  death-bed,  have 
charged  me  with  their  dying  breath  to  be  faithful  to  you  ; 
should  it  appear  at  our  meeting  at  the  day  of  judgment 
that  I  have  in  any  good  measure  answered  their  request, 
must  I  re-echo  to  the  tremendous  sentence  of  the  judge, 
"  Depart,"  Amen  !  Amen  ?  Oh  !  how  dreadful ! — how 
heart-rending  the  anticipation  !  Must  this  be  the  case  ? 
Nothing  but  a  speedy  and  thorough  repentance  and  turn- 
ing unto  God  can  prevent  it.  Dear  youth,  your  souls 
were  once  committed  to  me  ;  I  would  now  commit  them 
to  him  who  is  able  to  keep  you  from  falling,  and  present 
you  faultless  before  the  presence  of  his  gloiy,  with 
exceeding  joy. 

In  general,  you  have  treated  me  with  respect ;  I  do 
not  remember  ever  receiving  an  insult  from  a  single 
youth.  Many  of  your  parents  sleep  in  dust,  where  I 
must  shortly  be ;  should  I  be  so  happy  as  to  sit  down 
S 


206 


LlPfi  AN©  CHARACTER  OP 


■with  them  in  the  kingdom  of  heaven,  and  should  yoa 
arrive  at  those  bhssful  regions,  oil !  what  a  blessed  ir- 
terview  !  With  what  ecstatic  joy  and  congratulatioR 
should  we  present  the  offering  before  the  throne  of 
God  with  the  humble,  grateful,  and  astonishing  excla- 
mation, "  Here  Lord  we  arc,  and  the  natural  and  spir- 
itual children  thou  hast  graciously  given  us." 

You  will  shortly  hear  of  the  death  of  the  speaker : 
whether  his  grave  will  be  here  or  elsewhere  is  to  us  un- 
certain. Oh,  remember  that  those  icy  fingers  were 
once  employed  in  writing  sermons  for  you ;  those  lips 
that  are  now  chained  in  gloomy  silence  were  once 
speaking  to  you,  in  accents  that  were  sounding  from 
Sabbath  to  Sabbath,  and  from  year  to  year,  witliin  llie 
walls  of  this  house  ;  that  his  soul  has  taken  its  flight  to 
yonder  tribunal,  where  a  rehearsal  of  those  discourses 
that  you  have  heard  from  him  will  be  made  in  yo»r 
ears,  and  before  the  assembled  universe.  Ministers 
who  have  finished  their  course  may  be  useful  to  people 
after  they  are  dead  :  this  is  an  idea  suggested  by  a  dy- 
ing apostle,  2  Pet.  i.,  15  :  "  Moreover,  I  will  endeavour 
that  you  may  be  able  after  my  decease  to  have  these 
things  always  in  remembrance."  How  far,  consistent 
with  truth  and  Christian  modesty,  I  may  adopt  the  lan- 
guage of  the  holy  apostle,  ver.  26,  will  be  better  knowrt 
hereafter.  "  Wherefore  I  take  you  to  record  this  day, 
that  I  am  pure  from  the  blood  of  all  men :  for  I  have 
not  shunned  to  declare  unto  you  the  whole  counsel  of 
God." 

It  was  for  your  sake  principally  that  your  fathers- 
called  me  here  :  they  sat  under  my  ministry  but  a  short 
time ;  their  memory  is  still  precious,  and,  though  dead, 
still  speak.  Oh  !  for  their  sake,  and  for  your  souls' 
sake,  and  above  all  for  the  sake  of  him  that  created  you, 
hearke}!  to  the  things  that  concern  your  eternal  interest. 
Could  you  consider  your  former  minister  worthy  of  any 
respect,  I  beseech  you  to  manifest  it  by  preparing  to 
meet  him,  and  be  a  crown  of  his  rejoicing  in  the  day  of 
the  Lord  Jesus.    You  that  are  young  will  be  those  who 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


207 


will  compose  this  society  in  a  short  time :  we  who  are 
advanced  in  hfe  must  soon  leave  you. 

Let  me  warn  you  against  Sabbath-breaking — against 
neglecting  the  public  worship  of  God.  Willingly  and 
promptly  contribute  to  the  support  of  the  gospel  minis- 
try, as  you  would  prosper  in  this  world,  and  meet  your 
judge  in  peace.  Beware  of  carnal  dissipation,  a  sin 
which  I  have  often  warned  you  against.  Beware  of 
slander  and  detraction,  those  banes  of  society ;  the  in- 
fluence of  which,  even  among  us,  you  cannot  be  stran- 
gers to.  According  to  Scripture  testimony,  they  have 
their  origin  in  hell,  James  iii.,  6,  and  are  incorporated 
with  characters  not  very  ornamental  to  human  nature  ; 
nor  do  ihcy  stand  fair  candidates  for  the  kingdom  of 
heaven.  1  Cor.  vi.,  9,  10  ;  "  Know  ye  not  that  the  un- 
righteous shall  not  inherit  the  kingdom  of  God  ?  Be 
not  deceived ;  neither  fornicators,  nor  idolaters,  nor  adul- 
terers, nor  effeminate,  nor  abusers  of  themselves  with 
mankind,  nor  thieves,  nor  covetous,  nor  drunkards,  nor 
REviLERs,  nor  extortioners,  shall  inherit  the  kingdom  of 
God." 

Suffer  me  to  warn  you  against  false  doctrines,  such 
as  are  pleasing  to  the  carnal  heart.  The  inventions  of 
men  are  skilful  in  exciting  prejudices  to  the  plain  truths 
of  the  gospel :  hence  it  is  that  faithful  ministers  are  ac- 
cused with  being  too  pointed  and  unpolite  in  their  dis- 
courses. Beware  of  false  teachers,  and  of  being  led 
astray  by  the  errors  of  the  present  day.  Remember 
there  are  damnable  heresies  as  well  as  damnable  prcrc- 
tices.  Paul  predicted  this  danger,  ver.  29  :  "  For  I 
know  this,  that  after  my  departing  shall  grievous  wolves 
enter  in  among  you,  not  sparing  the  flock."  But,  be- 
loved, I  would  hope  better  things  of  you — things  that 
accompany  salvation,  though  I  thus  speak.  Dear  chil- 
dren and  lambs  of  the  flock,  you  have  in  a  sense,  for  a 
time,  been  committed  to  my  care  ;  with  the  tenderest 
affection  I  would,  in  the  arms  of  faith,  bear  you  to  that 
Divine  Saviour  who  has  said,  "  Suffer  little  children  to 
come  unto  me,  and  forbid  them  not ;  for  of  such  is  the 
kingdom  of  God,"    May  your  cheerful  hosannas  fill 


208 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


this  house  when  your  fathers  and  mothers  sliall  sleep 
in  dust. 

My  friends  in  general : — Whatever  we  have  seen 
amiss  in  each  other,  it  becomes  us  to  exercise  forgive- 
ness, as  we  hope  God,  for  Christ's  sake,  hath  forgiven 
us,  and  as  we  would  find  mercy  in  that  day.  How  often 
have  our  united  prayers  ascended  up  in  this  house  ! 
may  we  not  forget  each  other  for  time  to  come  !  Live 
in  peace,  and  may  the  God  of  peace  be  with  you.  May 
my  family  have  a  share  in  your  affections  and  interccs- 
sions,  who  have  been  brought  up  among  you ;  they 
will  doubtless  soon  be  left  without  parents.  May  the 
wife  of  my  youth,  who  has  been  my  companion  in  trib- 
ulation— whose  health,  and  strength,  and  domestic  ease 
have  been  sacrificed  and  devoted  to  your  service — 
should  she  survive  me,  not  be  forgotten.  As  I  still 
continue  to  reside  among  you,  should  you  at  any 
time  be  destitute  of  a  minister  on  a  sick  bed,  be  ready 
to  send  for  me;  it  will  be  the  rejoicing  of  my  heart 
to  do  all  I  can  to  comfort  you  in  the  hour  of  distress, 
and  to  alleviate  the  groans  and  terrors  of  a  dying 
moment ;  I  request  the  same  from  you,  as  there  is  op- 
portunity. 

And  now,  brethren,  I  commend  you  to  God,  and  to 
the  word  of  his  grace,  which  is  able  to  build  you  up, 
and  to  give  you  an  inheritance  among  all  them  which 
are  sanctified.  Amen. 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNE9. 


209 


CHAPTER  XV. 

MINISTRY  OF  MR.  HAYNES  AT  MANCHESTER 

After  preaching  his  farewell  sermon  at  Rutland,  a 
new  field  of  usefulness  was  opened,  and  Mr.  Haynes 
was  invited  to  preach  in  Manchester,  a  pleasant  town 
on  the  west  side  of  the  Green  Mountains.  Manches- 
ter was  at  this  time  the  residence  of  the  self-taught 
Richard  Skinner,  who  in  early  life  was  elected  a 
member  of  Congress,  and  afterward  sustained  the 
offices  of  judge  of  the  Supreme  Court  and  governor  of 
Vermont.  It  was  also  the  residence  of  Joseph  Burr, 
Esq.,  the  liberal  benefactor  of  several  literary  and  reli- 
gious institutions.  Mr.  Haynes's  reputation  as  a  dis- 
tinguished preacher  introduced  him  into  this  delightful 
village.  There  was  at  this  time  a  deep  and  solemn 
interest  among  the  people  respecting  religion.  The 
spirit  of  God  was  poured  out,  and  "  the  fields  were 
white  already  to  harvest." 

Extracts  from  his  Correspondence. 
LETTER  I. 
TO  DEACON  ATKINS. 

Manchester,  16th  April,  1819. 

Dear  Sir, 

•  *  •  I  am  now  at  Manchester,  among  a  kind 
and  benevolent  people.  How  long  I  shall  continue 
here  is  uncertain,  probably  all  summer.  *  *  *  It 
has  been  a  time  of  awakening  with  us,  but  it  is  now  a 
time  of  stupidity.    I  have  not  been  silent  a  single  Sab- 


210 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


bath  since  I  was  dismissed.  But  I  cannot  write  far- 
ther— the  bearer  wails.  Should  you  write  to  me,  I 
will  make  a  long  reply.    *    »  * 

Faithfully  yours. 

LETTER  II. 

TO  THE  SAME. 

Manchester  June  2l8t,  1819. 

Dear  Sir, 

I  have  just  received  your  letter — am  thankful  for  it. 
You  give  me  an  account  of  deaths — the  main  of  them 
were  of  my  acquaintance.  Oh,  sir,  why  is  it  that  we 
live  !  I  am  still  at  Manchester — find  it  difficult  to 
leave  the  people,  even  for  a  little  time.  God  has 
opened  a  door,  in  abundance,  for  me,  though  unworthy. 
A  young  woman  was  buried  yesterday — she  died  in 
the  triumphs  of  faith.  I  preached  her  funeral  sermon 
from  John  xvii.,  1  ;  and  again,  on  the  Sabbath,  from 
Gen.  xxii.,  12. 

I  have  this  moment  received  the  fourteenth  report 
of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society.  May  we 
not  rejoice  ?  I  rejoice  to  see  you  a  friend  to  the  insti- 
tution, as  well  as  your  sister.  I  have  noticed  dona- 
tions. Don't  forget  us.  But  I  must  stop  writing — I 
can  only  give  hints. 

Faithfully  yours. 
LETTER  III. 
TO  THE  SAME. 

Manchester,  27th  April,  1820. 

Dear  Sir, 

It  is  a  long  time  since  I  received  a  letter  from  you, 
though  I  think  you  wrote  last.  I  hope  you  will  now 
think  yourself  indebted  to  me,  and  immediately  make 
me  returns  for  my  poor  communication.  I  am  still  at 
Manchester,  and  am  likely  to  continue  for  the  present. 
We  have  lately  had  sudden  and  alarming  deaths  among 
us.  We  have  of  late  been  a  little  encouraged  that 
God  is  about  to  work  among  us  by  his  holy  spirit. 


RKV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


211 


Some  are  serious.  I  preach  three  times  on  the  Sab- 
bath. Our  evening  lectures  are  crowded.  We  hear 
of  a  wonderful  work  at  Stillwater,  Ballston,  and  Roch- 
ester in  this  state.  Since  my  dismission,  I  am  con- 
stantly employed.  But  I  have  reason  to  mourn  my 
barrenness.  I  often,  in  the  solemn  watches  of  the 
night,  think  of  Granville.  My  mind  goes  from  house 
to  house,  and  contemplates  the  awful  ravages  that 
death  has  made  among  my  old  acquaintance.  I  long 
to  see  you  once  more ;  and  think,  God  willing,  I  shall, 
I  expect  to  go  to  New-York  this  spring.  I  may  be 
there  two  or  three  weeks.  I  have  encouragement  to 
go  there  and  continue,  but  I  am  too  old  to  settle.  I 
live  among  a  kind  people  and  civil.  I  think  I  never 
was  more  agreeably  situated.  We  have  an  excellent 
school  at  Manchester.  I  have  tliree  daughters  and 
two  sons  professors  of  religion.  My  youngest  I  keep 
to  school.  He  is  now  studying  Latin.  We  hope  he 
is  serious.  Is  very  attentive  to  learning.  We  are  in 
tolerable  health,  except  our  second  daughter.  We 
never  expect  she  will  have  her  health.  Please  to  re- 
member me  at  the  throne  of  grace. 

Yours  affectionately. 

LETTER  IV.  5 
TO  THE  SAME. 

Manchester,  12th  June,  1820. 

Dear  Sir, 

•  *  *  God  has  sent  several  sudden  deaths  among 
us,  but  I  fear  we  do  not  lay  them  suitably  to  heart.  I 
have,  for  the  year  past,  preached  three  sermons  every 
Sabbath.  I  deliver  a  discourse  in  the  village  at  6 
o'clock — people  in  general  attend,  but  they  are  stupid. 
We  attend  the  general  concert.  We  also  have  a 
rayer-meeting  every  Tuesday,  but,  unless  the  Lord 
less,  we  labour  in  vain.  You  tell  me  that  Mrs.  A.  is 
unwell;  I  hope  she  is  better;  if  not.  that  her  illness 
will  e.xcite  her  to  prepare  for  a  better  world.  Ben- 


212 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


nington  have  dismissed  their  minister,  and  have  agreed 
to  settle  anotlier  the  5th  of  July  next.  There  is  some 
seriousness  among  some — dear  sir,  may  we  bring  forth 
good  fruit  in  old  age  !  I  wish  to  hear  from  you  often, 
I  have  only  a  moment's  time  to  write.  The  Associa- 
tion meet  at  my  house  to-morrow. 

Yours  aflfectionately. 

LETTER  V. 
TO  THE  SAME. 

Manchester,  20th  February,  1822- 

Cordial  Friend, 
Yesterday  I  received  yours  of  the  5th  of  January 
with  great  satisfaction,  although  it  contained  melan- 
choly tidings  of  my  old  acquaintance.  Mrs.  S.,  you 
know,  was  brought  up  in  the  house  with  me ;  but, 
alas  !  she  is  gone,  and  I  live.  I  visited  Mr.  H.  on  my 
return  home,  but  did  not  think  I  should  see  him  no 
more.  Oh,  how  uncertain  is  life  !  Dr.  Ball,  the  good 
minister  of  the  east  parish  in  Rutland,  died  a  few 
weeks  ago,  suddenly,  as  in  a  moment.  I  used  to  en- 
joy great  intimacy  with  him.  Sir,  may  we  not,  who 
are  aged,  admire  God's  patience  towards  us  ?  I  heard 
of  the  death  of  Mrs.  S.  the  week  after  I  returned  to 

M  .    Give  my  love  to  Mr.  S.    Tell  him  I  rejoice 

to  hear  that  the  death  of  his  dear  wife  makes  him 
think  of  another  world,  and  stirs  him  up  to  prepare  for 
death — and  that  he  attends  meeting.  Tell  him  that  I 
mourn  with  him.  May  the  Lord  bless  it  to  his  spirit- 
ual good.    I  think  there  is  no  earthly  comfort  that 

g'ves  me  such  satisfaction  as  visiting  my  friends  at 
ranville  ;  but  it  must  soon  come  to  an  end. 
I  have  thought  it  to  be  mv  duty  to  leave  Manches- 
ter, and  go  to  Granville,  N.  Y.,  though  I  and  the  peo- 
ple are  friendly. 

My  respects  to  dear  Mr.  Baker  and  lady,  and  their 
aged  mother,  you  will  make  acceptable.  Does  their  son 
conclude  to  be  a  lawyer  or  a  minister  ?    I  hope  it  will 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAVNES. 


213 


be  the  latter,  at  least  if  God  calls.*  Religioa  is  at  a 
low  ebb  among  us ;  may  the  Lord  revive  his  work. 

Don't  forget  to  remember  us  in  your  intercessions. 

Sincerely  yours. 

N.  B.  I  expect  to  move  to  Granville  next  week. 

The  following  extract  of  a  letter  from  the  wife  of  his 
excellency  the  late  Richard  Skinner,  will  show  the  high 
estimation  in  which  Mr.  Haynes  was  held  in  Manches- 
ter, and  also  present  some  of  his  characteristic  peculi- 
arities. 

Manchester,  Feby.  18th,  1836. 

•  *  •  In  the  summer  of  1818,  this  church  and 
society,  being  destitute  of  the  stated  administration  of 
the  word  and  ordinances,  invited  Mr.  Haynes  to  come 
and  reside  here ;  and  although  it  was  not  considered 
expedient  to  call  him  as  our  permanent  pastor,  yet  he 
continued  with  us  about  three  years.  His  labours  were 
acceptable  to  the  people — his  influence  and  example 
promoting  religion  and  morality,  and  gradually  advan- 
cing the  interests  of  the  Redeemer's  kingdom.  Many  of 
our  people  still  remember  him  with  deep  respect  and 
affection  as  their  spiritual  guide.  As  a  man,  Mr. 
Haynes  was  cheerful  in  temper,  affable  in  demeanour, 
quick  in  perception,  shrewd  and  sensible,  and  in  his 
daily  intercourse  with  his  fellow-men,  exhibiting  that 
trait  of  character  enjoined  by  our  Lord,  "  Be  ye  wise 
as  serpents,  and  harmless  as  doves."  In  his  pubhc  ad- 
ministrations he  was  devout  and  serious  :  discovered 
uncommon  acquaintance  with  the  Scriptures  ;  always  in 
his  quotations  giving  chapter  and  verse,  sometimes 
adding,  "  If  I  mistake  not ;"  generally,  however,  recol- 
lecting without  hesitation.  In  his  belief,  entirely  ortho- 
dox, often  calling  to  the  minds  of  his  hearers  the  great 
truths  of  God's  word  ; — appearing  to  have  the  convic- 
tion from  his  own  experience  of  the  truth  of  the  doc- 

♦  Mr.  Curtis  Baker,  a  young  man  of  great  promise,  who  died  while  a 
member  of  the  Theological  Seminary  in  Andover,  1824. 


S14 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


trines  of  divine  sovereignty,  total  depravity  of  the  sin- 
ner's heart,  and  the  way  of  recovery  only  in  and  by  the 
blood  of  Christ,  through  sanctificalion  of  the  spirit,  He 
appeared  to  be  ever  actuated  by  a  grateful  temper;  al- 
ways upon  the  Sabbath  morning,  when  convened  with 
his  people,  returning  thanks  that  so  many  were  pre- 
served to  meet  for  the  worship  of  God,  when  almost 
every  day  brought  us  intelligence  of  some  called  into 
eternity,  the  victims  of  sin  and  death,  making  the 
world  "  one  great  Bochim ;"  and  acknowledging  our 
desert  of  the  same  visitation.  He  seemed  to  have  much 
of  a  submissive  temper,  although,  under  the  providence 
of  God,  there  were  circumstances  calculated  to  depress 
him.  He  ever  held  the  station  of  a  man  without  blem- 
ish,— never  appearing  to  repine  that  God  had  not  made 
him  without  a  stain  upon  his  skin :  nor  was  he  often 
called  upon  to  remember  it,  unless  more  than  ordinary 
tenderness,  manifested  by  others  in  their  intercourse 
with  him,  should  have  reminded  him  of  it.  I  recollect, 
in  conversation  thirty-five  years  since  with  the  Rever- 
end Dr.  Swift,  Avho  was  then  a  firm  pillar  of  the  church 
in  Vermont,  and  one  that  all  delighted  to  honour,  he 
said,  that  in  all  their  ecclesiastical  meetings  Mr.  Haynes 
■was  first  noticed,*  and  in  such  manner  that  every  disa- 
greeable feeling  arising  from  the  peculiarity  of  his  situ- 
ation should  be  done  away.    With  respect, 

F.  Skinner. 

Rev.  Dr.  Cooley. 

During  the  residence  of  Mr.  Haynes  at  Manchester, 
there  was  an  occurrence  which  has  scarcely  a  parallel 
in  the  history  of  civilized  man.  There  resided  in  this 
town  a  man  by  the  name  of  Russell  Colvin,  who  had 
been  for  many  years  in  a  state  of  mental  derangement. 
Being  incompetent  to  attend  to  the  concerns  of  his  fain- 


*  In  meetings  of  councils  and  associations,  where  it  was  necessary  to 
j»j)t  two  in  one  bed,  one  and  another  would  say,  "  /  will  sleep  with  Mr. 
jlayntt  f" 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


215 


ily,  liis  children  were  dispersed  among  his  relatives,  and 
Colvin  was  a  wandering  maniac.  It  was  his  custom  to 
go  and  come  as  he  pleased,  and  in  some  instances  he 
was  absent  from  his  connexions  for  several  months. 
In  the  year  1813  he  disappeared  suddenly,  and  some- 
what remarkably,  and  nothing  was  heard  of  him.  Years 
passed  away,  and  he  neglected  to  return  to  his  friends. 
At  length  there  began  to  be  serious  suspicions  that  Col- 
vin was  murdered,  and  that  Stephen  Boom  and  Jesse 
Boorn,  the  brothers  of  his  wife,  were  tl?e  murderers. 
The  more  the  subject  was  investigated,  the  darker  the 
case  of  the  unfortunate  Booms  appeared.  At  length 
ihey  were  brought  to  trial  upon  an  endictment  for  mur- 
der ;  and  after  a  careful  and  impartial  investigation  of 
the  case,  a  verdict  of  guilty  was  found  by  the  jury-, 
Accordinglv,  the  court  pronounced  the  sentence,  "  That 
the  criminals  be  remanded  back  to  prison,  and  that  on 
♦he  28th  of  January  next,  between  the  hours  of  ten  and 
two  o'clock,  they  be  hanged  by  the  neck  until  each  of 
them  be  dead ;  and  may  the  Lord  have  mercy  on  their 
souls." 

3Ir.  Hnynes  felt  deeply  affected  with  the  condition 
of  the  unhappy  convicts,  and  visited  them  daily  in  the 
prison.  It  was  for  the  purpose  of  awakening  their  at- 
tention to  their  state  as  ruined  sinners,  and  lead- 
ing them  to  the  Saviour  as  their  only  hope,  that  his 
visits  were  continued.  With  the  tenderness  of  a  pa- 
rent, and  the  charity  becoming  a  faithful  minister  of  the 
gospel,  he  spent  many  hours  with  the  unhappy  suffer- 
ers in  rehgious  instruction,  and  prayer  and  supplication 
at  the  throne  of  grace  in  their  behalf.  In  the  course  of 
his  visits  to  the  prison,  from  the  conduct  and  conversa- 
tion of  the  prisoners,  he  became  convinced  that  they 


216 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


were  innocent  of  the  crime  for  which  they  were  sen- 
tenced to  suffer  an  ignominious  death,  although  for 
many  long  weeks  not  a  ray  of  hope  dawned  upon  their 
dark  and  loathsome  prison.  At  length,  thirty-seven 
days  before  the  arrival  of  the  time  appointed  for  their 
execution,  strange  to  relate!, one  evening,  just  as  the 
sun  was  setting,  there  was  a  cry  through  the  village — 
"  Colvin  is  come !  Colvin  is  come !"  and  it  was  soon 
ascertained  that  the  man  who  was  supposed  to  have 
been  murdered  years  before,  and  for  whose  murder  two 
innocent  men  \\a.d  been  convicted,  was  still  alive,  and 
had  suddenly  app'iared  in  the  village ! 

The  whole  of  the  circumstances  connected  with  this 
most  extraordinary  affair,  and  the  measures  which  it 
became  necessary  to  pursue  in  consequence  thereof, 
may  be  fully  learned  by  a  perusal  of  the  following  nar- 
rative, which  was  written  mostly  by  Mr.  Haynes,  and 
from  his  sermon  preached  on  the  occasion  of  the  re- 
lease of  tire  now  evidently  innocent  prisoners  from  con- 
finement. 


Mystery  Developed  ;  or,  Russell  Colvin,  supposed  to 
be  murdered,  in  full  life ;  and  Stephen  and  Jesse 
BooRN  {his  convicted  murderers),  rescued  from  ig- 
nominious death  by  Wonderful  Discoveries.  Con- 
taining, I.  A  narrative  of  the  whole  transaction,  by 
Rev.  Lemuel  Haynes,  A.  M.  II.  Rev.  Mr.  H.'s 
Sermon  upon  the  development  of  the  mystery.  III. 
A  succinct  account  of  the  endictment,  trial,  and  con- 
viction of  Stephen  and  Jesse  Boorn. 

TO  the  reader. 

The  unusual  excitement  of  the  public  feeling,  in  con- 
sequence of  the  recent  conviction  of  Stephen  and  Jesse 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


217 


BooRN,  for  the  murder  of  Russell  Colvin,  more  than 
seven  years  since — the  discovery  of  Colvin,  in  full  life — 
his  return  to  the  place  where  his  mouldering  bones  vi^ere 
supposed  to  be  discovered,  and  the  narrow  escape  of  the 
Boorns  from  ignominious  death,  induced  the  publisher 
to  resort  to  the  most  authentic  sources  of  intelligence 
to  obtain  all  the  light  that  was  possible  upon  a  subject 
enveloped  in  doubt,  darkness,  and  mystery.  The  highly 
respected  and  reverend  clergyman  of  Manchester,  Vt. 
(the  scene  of  this  mystery),  has  furnished  what  the  pub- 
lisher ventures  to  pronounce  altogether  the  most  satis- 
factory account  of  these  strange  occurrences. 

The  impressive  discourse  delivered  upon  the  return 
of  Colvin,  and  the  happy  rescue  of  his  supposed  mur- 
derers from  impending  death,  will  be  read  with  interest 
by  all. 

Copious  materials  were  obtained  of  the  trial  of  the 
Boorns ;  but  it  is  deemed  inexpedient  at  this  time  to 
give  any  but  a  brief  statement  of  it. 

Publisher. 


N  A  R  R.\TI  v  E. 

The  wonderful  occurrence  that  has  lately  been  ex- 
hibited at  Manchester,  in  relation  to  the  supposed  mur- 
der, may  be  ranked  amonff  those  rare  events  that  sel- 
dom, if  ever,  lake  place.  The  public  mind  has  been  un- 
commonly agitated.  Reports  have  been  circulated 
tending  to  create  prejudices  and  lead  astray.  That 
many  things  without  any  foundation  in  truth  should  be 
spread  abroad  in  a  matter  so  astonishing  and  interesting, 
could  hardly  have  been  unexpected.  The  writer  of  this 
narrative  believes  that  there  are  many  things  in  relation 
to  the  event  that  may  be  useful  and  entertaining,  and 
calculated  to  throw  some  light  upon  this  mysterious 
subject. 

Mr.  Barna  Boom  and  his  wife,  the  parents  of  Ste- 
phen and  Jesse  Boom,  are  advanced  in  age,  have  been 
residents  of  Manchester  for  about  40  years,  and  are  per- 
T 


218 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


sons  of  respectability :  they  have  three  sons  and  two 
daughters ;  they  all  have  families.  Sally  Boom  was 
married  to  Russell  Colvin  eighteen  years  ago.  They 
have  children :  their  eldest  son's  name  is  Lewis ;  an- 
other is  Rufus.  Of  the  latter  his  father  was  very  fond, 
and  used  often  to  carry  him  from  place  to  place  on  his 
back.  Colvin  had  been  in  a  slate  of  mental  derange- 
ment for  a  long  time,  by  which  he  was  incapacitated  to 
attend  to  the  concerns  of  his  family,  who  were  dispersed 
among  the  connexions.  Colvin's  parents  formerly  re- 
sided in  Manchester,  but  are  both  dead.  He  has  a 
brother  supposed  to  live  in  the  western  country.  He 
has  a  sister,  named  Clarissa,  who  is  mentioned  in  Mr. 
Chadwick's  letter.  The  sudden  departure  of  Colvin, 
which  was  seven  years  ago  the  7tli  day  of  May  last,  ex- 
cited some  inquiry  about  what  had  become  of  him  ;  but 
as  he  had  frequently  absented  (at  one  time  he  was  gone 
nine  or  ten  months,  and  was  heard  of  at  Rhode-Island), 
it  was  expected  he  would  return  as  usual.  Thci-c  were, 
however,  some  surmises  that  possibly  he  had  been  mur- 
dered. Many  observations  were  made  by  Stephen  and 
Jesse  Boom  which  excited  jealousies  that  they  were 
guilty. 

With  respect  to  dreaming,  about  which  so  much  has 
been  said  and  published,  it  may  be  remarked,  that  there 
has  been  much  said  about  the  murder,  and  conjectures 
■where  it  was  committed,  and  where  the  body  might  be 
deposited.  By  tliis  the  mind  was  prepared  to  receive 
similar  impressions  when  asleep  ;  and  there  was  nothing 
miraculous  in  the  matter,  about  which  so  many  strange 
things  have  been  circulated.  The  dream  is  here  rela- 
ted for  the  sole  purpose  of  correcting  those  fabulous  re- 
ports, of  which  the  human  mind  is  too  susceptible. — A 
Mr.  Boorn*  dreamed  that  Russell  Colvin  came  to  his 
bedside,  and  told  him  that  he  had  been  murdered,  and 
he  must  follow  him,  and  he  would  lead  him  to  the  spot 
where  he  was  buried :  this  was  repeated  three  times. 
The  deposite  was  the  place  talked  of  previous  to  the 

*  Uncle  to  the  aforesaid  Stephen  and  Jesse,  and  a  gentleman  of  respect- 
ability, whose  character  is  unimpeachable. 


RET.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


219 


dream,  which  was  where  a  house  had  formerly  stood, 
under  which  was  a  hole  about  four  feet  square,  which 
was  made  for  tlie  purpose  of  burying  potatoes,  and  now 
filled  up.  This  pit  was  opened,  and  nothing  discovered 
but  a  large  knife,  a  penknife,  and  a  button.  Mrs.  Col- 
vin,  anterior  to  their  being  presented  to  her,  described 
them  accurately,  and  on  seeing  them  said  they  belong- 
ed to  her  husband,  except  the  small  knife. 

An  impression  made  on  the  mind  by  previous  circum- 
stances may  dictate  a  dream,  which  is  commonly  the 
case,  and  nothing  strange,  should  it  have  influence  in 
the  present  affair  in  seatcJiingRher  truth;  but  that  any 
decision  was  predicated  in  the  least  on  such  nocturnal 
fancies,  we  have  no  evidence.  They  were  not  men- 
tioned on  occasions  of  inquiry  before  court  or  jury. 
Perhaps  the  court  had  never  heard  of  them.  It  is  cer- 
tainly to  be  regretted  that  such  seeds  of  delusion  should 
be  disseminated  among  mankind,  and  that  truth  and 
propriety  do  not  receive  more  attention  previous  to  such 
publications.  Much  has  been  said  about  sculls  and 
bones  being  found  of  the  human  kind.  I  think  we  are 
without  sufficient  evidence  that  any  thing  of  this  nature 
has  been  discovered.  A  circumstance  took  place  that 
excited  much  attention.  A  lad  walking  from  Mr.  Bar- 
na  Boom's  at  a  small  distance  with  his  dog,  a  hollow 
stump  standing  near  the  path  engaged  the  notice  of  the 
spaniel,  which  ran  to  the  place  and  back  again  several 
times,  lifting  up  his  feet  on  the  boy,  with  whining  notes, 
as  though  to  draw  the  attention  of  his  little  master  to  the 
place  ;  which  had  the  effect.  A  cluster  of  bones  were 
drawn  from  the  roots  of  the  stump  by  the  paws  of  the 
animal.  Further  examination  was  made,  and  in  the  cav- 
ity of  the  stump  were  found  two  toe  nails,  to  appear- 
ance belonging  to  a  human  foot ;  others  were  ^liscover- 
ed  in  a  crumbled  state,  which  apparently  had  passed 
through  the  fire.  It  was  now  concluded  by  many  that 
some  fragments  of  the  body  of  Colvin  were  found.  The 
cluster  of  bones  were  brought  before  the  court  of  in- 
quiry. They  were  examined  by  a  number  of  physi- 
cians, who  thought  them  to  be  human ;  one  of  the  pro- 


220 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


fession,  however,  thought  otherwise.  A  Mr.  Sahsbury, 
about  four  years  ago,  had  his  leg  amputated,  which  was 
buried  at  the  distance  of  four  or  five  miles.  The  limb 
was  dug  up,  and,  by  comparing,  it  was  universally  de- 
termined that  the  bones  were  not  human.  However,  it 
was  clear  that  the  nails  were  human,  and  so  appeared 
to  all  beholders.  The  bones  were  in  a  degree  pulveri- 
zed, but  some  pieces  were  in  a  tolerable  state  of  pres- 
ervation. Suspicions  were  excited  that  the  body  was 
burnt,  and  some  part  not  consumed  cast  into  the  stump, 
and  other  bones  put  among  them  for  deception.  Some 
time  after  the  departure  of  Colvin,  a  barn  belonging  to 
Mr.  Barna  Boorn  was  consumed  by  fire  accidentally :  it 
was  conjectured  that  the  body  was  taken  up  and  con- 
cealed \mder  the  floor  of  the  barn,  and  mostly  consumed. 
About  that  time  a  log-heap  was  burnt  by  the  Booms 
near  the  place  where  the  body  was  supposed  to  be  de- 
posited :  it  was  thought  by  some  that  it  was  consumed 
there. 

Some  indeed  looked  upon  the  manner  of  the  dis- 
covery as  a  kind  of  prodigy ;  others,  with  more  pro- 
priety, saw  nothing  marvellous  in  the  affair ;  the  dog 
might  be  allured  to  the  spot  by  scent  or  game,  which 
was  common  to  the  species.  The  attention  of  people 
was  greatly  excited ;  they  had  strong  prepossessions 
that  murder  had  been  committed  ;  by  which  some  were 
prepared  to  look  even  on  common  things  as  supernat- 
ural. But  still,  as  has  before  been  observed,  none  of 
these  things  were  introduced  or  even  mentioned  in  any 
part  of  the  examination  or  trial.  The  strange  disap- 
pearance of  Colvin,  his  not  being  heard  of,  together  with 
some  things  that  took  place  on,  the  day  he  was  missing, 
could  not  fail  to  create  strong  suspicions  that  he  had 
been  murdered.  Evidence  was  adduced,  that  on  the 
day  of  his  departure  a  quarrel  commenced  between  him 
and  his  brethren,  which  led  to  a  belief  that  he  had  fallen  a 
victim.  But,  after  all,  the  evidence  was  circumstantial, 
though  the  general  evidence  was  that  the  prisoners  were 
guilty.  Some  thought  that  it  was  best  to  dismiss  Jesse 
from  any  further  examination,  which  had  commenced  on 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


221 


Tuesday,  the  27th  day  of  April.  He  was,  however,  still 
kept  in  custody.  Search  was  made  on  Tuesday, 
Wednesday,  'I'hursday,  and  Friday  for  the  body,  during 
whicli  time  those  discoveries  were  made  above  alluded 
to.  Jesse  was  on  the  eve  of  being  set  at  liberty ;  but  on 
Saturday,  about  ten  o'clock,  he  with  a  trembling  voice 
observed,  that  the  first  time  he  had  an  idea  his  brother 
Stephen  had  murdered  Colvin  was  when  he  was  here 
last  winter :  he  then  stated  that  he  and  Russell  were 
hoeing  in  the  Glazier  lot ;  that  there  was  a  quarrel  be- 
tween them,  and  Colvin  attempted  to  run  away;  that 
lie  struck  him  with  a  club  or  stone  on  the  back  part  of 
his  neck  or  head,  and  had  fractured  his  scull  and  sup- 
posed he  was  dead.  He  observed  that  he  could  not  tell 
what  had  become  of  ihe  body.  He  mentioned  many 
places  where  perhaps  it  might  be  found.  Search  was 
accordingly  made,  but  to  no  purpose. 

The  authority  issued  a  warrant  to  apprehend  Stephen, 
who  about  two  years  befoi-e  had  removed  to  Denmark, 
Lewis  county,  State  of  New-York,  198  miles.  Capt. 
Truman  Hill,  grand  juryman  for  the  town  of  Manches- 
ter, Esquire  Kcuymond,  and  Mr.  R.  Anderson,  set  out 
for  Denmark,  and  arrived  there  in  three  days.  They 
called  on  Mr.  Eleazer  S.  Sylvester,  inn-keeper,  who  in 
the  night,  together  with  a  Mr.  Orange  Clark  and  Mr. 
Hooper,  belonging  to  the  town,  accompanied  them  to 
the  house  of  the  supposed  criminal.  Mr.  Clark  went  in 
first  and  began  some  conversation  about  temporal  con- 
cerns ;  the  others  surrounded  the  house,  and  he  was 
easily  taken.  The  surprise  and  distress  of  Mrs.  Boorn 
on  this  occasion  are  not  easily  described  :  it  excited  the 
connpassion  of  those  who  had  come  to  take  away  her 
husband,  and  they  made  her  some  presents.  The  pris- 
oner was  put  in  irons,  and  was  brought  to  Manchester 
on  the  15lh  day  of  May.  He  peremptorily  asserted  in- 
nocence, and  declared  he  knew  nothing  about  the  mur- 
der of  his  brother-in-law.  The  prisoners  were  kept 
apart  for  a  time,  and  assigned  to  separate  cells.  Noth- 
ing material  transpired,  and  they  were  afterward  con- 
fined in  one  room.  Stephen  denied  the  evidence  brought 
T  2 


222 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


against  him  by  Jesse,  and  treated  him  with  severity. 
Both  the  prisoners  were  repeatedly  admonished  to  pay 
the  strictest*  regard  to  truth.  Many  days  were  taken 
up  in  public  examinations  of  the  reputed  criminals. 
Evidence  was  brought  forward  which  was  much  against 
them.  Lewis,  son  of  Colvin,  testified  that  he  saw  his 
uncle  Stephen  knock  down  his  father,  was  frightened, 
and  ran  home.  This  witness  is  before  tlie  public.  Jesse 
Boorn,  after  an  interview  with  his  brother,  denied  that 
Stephen  ever  told  him  that  he  killed  Colvin,  and  that 
what  he  had  reported  about  him  was  false.  Evidence 
appeared  so  strong  against  the  prisoners  that  they  were 
bound  over  to  await  their  trial  at  the  sitting  of  the  Su- 
preme Court,  to  be  holden  at  Manchester  the  third 
Tuesday  of  September. 

During  the  interval  the  writer  frequently  visited  them 
ih  his  official  capacity,  but  did  not  discover  any  symp- 
toms of  compunction ;  they  persisted  in  declaring  their 
innocence,  with  appeals  to  Heaven.  Stephen,  in  partic- 
ular, at  times  appeared  absorbed  in  passion  and  impa- 
tience. One  day  I  introduced  the  example  of  Christ 
under  sufferings  as  a  pattern  worthy  of  his  imitation  : 
he  exclaimed,  "  I  am  as  innocent  as  Jesus  Christ !"  for 
which  extravagant  expression  I  reproved  him  :  he  repli- 
ed, "  I  don't  mean  that  I  am  guiltless  as  he  was ;  I  know 
I  am  a  great  sinner ;  but  I  am  as  innocent  of  killing 
Colvin  as  he  was."  The  court  sat  in  September ;  a  ju- 
dicious and  impressive  charge  was  given  to  the  grand 
jury  by  his  honour  Judge  Doolittlc,  and  a  bill  of  endict- 
ment  w^as  presented  against  Stephen  and  Jesse  Boorn  ; 
but,  as  it  was  not  a  full  court,  the  trial  could  not  com- 
mence, according  to  a  late  act  of  the  legislature  of  this 
state. 

The  court  was  accordingly  adjourned  to  the  26th  of 
October,  1819.  It  was  with  much  difficulty  that  a  jury 
■was  obtained ;  but  few  could  be  found  who  had  not  ex- 

Sressed  their  opinion  against  the  prisoners.  The  Hon. 
udge  Skinner  and  Mr.  L.  Sergeant  were  counsel  for 
the  prisoners.  Mr.  C.  Sheldon,  late  state's  attorney, 
was  employed  in  behalf  of  the  state.    The  counsel  on 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


223 


both  sides  discovered  much  zeal  and  abihty.  The  trial 
commenced  on  Tuesday,  the  27th  day  of  October,  and 
continued  until  Saturday  night  following. 

An  endictment  was  presented,  containing  a  charge 
against  Stephen  and  Jesse  Boorn  for  the  murder  of 
Russell  Colvin,  to  which  they  pleaded  Not  guilty. 
The  occasion  excited  uncommon  attention.  Six  hun- 
dred people  attended  each  day  during  the  trial.  Much 
evidence  was  introduced  which  was  rejected  by  the 
court  as  being  irrelevant.  The  case  was  given  to  the 
jury  after  a  short,  judicious,  and  impressive  charge, 
by  his  honour  Judge  Doolittle,  which  was  followed  by 
a  lengthy  and  appropriate  one  by  the  honourable 
Judge  Chase.  The  jury  retired,  and  within  about 
one  hour  returned ;  and,  in  compliance  with  a  request 
of  Mr.  Skinner,  they  were  severally  inquired  of  wheth- 
er they  had  agreed  upon  a  verdict,  and  each  agreed 
that  tliey  had  found  both  of  the  prisoners  guilty  of  the 
murder  charged  against  them.  The  verdict  was  then 
publicly  read  by  the  clerk.  After  a  short  recess,  his 
honour  Judge  Chase,  with  the  most  tender  and  sym- 
pathetic emotion,  which  he  was  unable  to  suppress, 
pronounced  the  awful  sentence,  "that  the  criminals  be 
remanded  back  to  prison ;  and  that  on  the  28th  day  of 
Januar}^  next,  between  the  hours  of  ten  and  two 
o'clock,  they  be  hanged  by  the  neck  until  each  of  them 
be  dead ;  and  may  the  Lord  have  mercy  on  their 
souls." 

None  can  express  the  confusion  and  anguish  into 
which  the  prisoners  were  cast  on  hearing  their  doom. 
They  requested  by  their  counsel  liberty  to  speak, 
which  Avas  granted.  In  sighs  and  broken  accents  they 
asserted  their  innocence.  The  convulsion  of  nature 
attending  Stephen  at  last  was  so  great  as  to  render  him 
unable  to  walk  ;  but  he  was  supported  by  others,  and 
carried  to  prison.  The  compassion  of  some  was  exci- 
ted, especially  towai-ds  Jesse,  which  inclined  them  im- 
mediately to  send  a  petition  to  the  legislature,  then 
sitting  at  Montpelier,  praying  that  the  punishment  of 
the  criminals  might  be  commuted  for  that  of  imprison- 


224 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


ment  for  life.  But  few,  however,  signed  the  petition 
in  favour  of  Stephen.  The  Assembly  spent  several 
days  on  the  subject,  and  finally  granted  the  request  of 
Jesse;  yeas  104,  nays  31.  The  request  of  Stephen 
was  negatived  in  the  House ;  yeas  42,  nays  97.  The 
decision  of  the  Assembly  was  brought  to  Manchester 
by  his  excellency  Governor  Galusha,  and  immediately 
communicated  to  the  prisoners.  Jesse  received  the 
news  with  peculiar  satisfaction ;  while  Stephen  was 

freatlv  depressed,  being  wholly  left  without  hope, 
esse  lamented  that  his  brother  could  not  share  in  the 
same  comparative  blessing  with  him,  and  that  they 
could  not  be  fellow-prisoners  together.  Little  did 
these  brothers  think  that  the  fate  of  Stephen  would  ter- 
minate more  favourably  than  that  of  Jesse,  and  be  the 
cause  of  a  more  speedy  deliverance.  'Tis  often  the 
case,  that  the  darkest  dispensations  of  Divine  provi- 
dence are  presages  of  the  rising  morning.  This 
should  teach  us  always  to  trust  in  the  Lord,  and  con- 
sider that  although  clouds  and  darkness  are  round 
about  him,  yet  justice  and  judgment  are  the  habitation 
of  his  throne. 

On  the  29lli  day  of  October  Jesse  took  a  final  fare- 
well of  liis  brother,  of  his  friends,  and  family  at  Man- 
chester, and  was  carried  to  the  state-prison  at  Wind- 
sor, expecting  to  spend  the  remainder  of  his  life  there. 
None  can  express  the  melancholy  situation  of  Stephen, 
the  poor  prisoner,  separated  from  wife  and  children, 
parents  and  friends,  under  sentence  of  death,  without 
hope.  I  visited  him  frequently  with  sympathy  and 
grief,  and  endeavoured  to  turn  his  mind  on  the  things 
of  another  world  ;  telling  him  that,  as  all  human  means 
failed,  he  must  look  to  God  as  the  only  way  of  deliv- 
erance. I  advised  him  to  read  the  Holy  Scriptures, 
to  which  he  consented,  if  he  could  be  allowed  a  candle, 
as  his  cell  was  dark ;  this  request  was  granted ;  and  I 
often  found  him  reading.  He  was  at  times  calm,  and 
again  impatient.  The  interview  I  had  with  him  a  few 
days  before  the  news  came  that  it  was  likely  that  Col- 
vin  was  alive  was  very  affecting.    He  says  to  me, 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


225 


"  Mr.  Haynes,  I  sec  no  way  but  I  must  die ;  every 
thing  works  against  me ;  but  I  am  an  innocent  man ; 
this  you  will  know  after  I  am  dead."  He  burst  into  a 
flood  of  tears,  and  said,  "  What  will  become  of  my 
poor  wife  and  children !  they  are  in  needy  circumstan- 
ces, and  I  love  them  better  than  life  itself."  I  told 
him  God  would  take  care  of  them.  He  replied,  "  I 
don't  want  to  die.  I  wish  they  would  let  me  live  even 
in  this  situation  some  longer  ;  perhaps  something  will 
take  place  that  may  convince  people  that  I  am  inno- 
cent." I  was  about  to  leave  the  prison  when  he  said, 
"  Will  you  pray  with  me  ?"  He  arose,  with  his  heavy 
chains  on  his  hands  and  legs,  being  also  chained  down 
to  the  floor,  and  stood  on  his  feet  during  prayer,  with 
deep  and  bitter  sighings.  A  Mr.  Taber  Chadwick,* 
of  Shrewsbury,  Monmouth  county,  New-Jersey,  broth- 
er-in-law of  Mr.  Wm.  Polhamus,  in  Dover,  New-Jer- 
sey, where  Colvin  had  lived  ever  since  April,  1813, 
seeing  the  account  of  the  trial  of  the  Boorns  at  Man- 
chester, he  wrote  the  letter  that  has  been  so  often  pub- 
lished. When  the  letter  came  to  town,  every  one  was 
struck  with  consternation.  A  few  partly  believed,  but 
the  main  doubted.  "It  cannot  be  that  Colvin  is  alive," 
was  the  general  cry.  Mr.  Chadwick's  letter  was  car- 
ried to  the  prisoner,  and  read  to  Stephen  ;  the  news 
was  so  overwhelming,  that,  to  use  his  own  language, 
nature  could  scarcely  sustain  the  shock ;  but,  as  there 
was  some  doubt  as  to  the  truth  of  the  report,  it  tended 
to  prevent  an  immediate  dissolution.  He  observed  to 
me,  "  that  he  believed  that,  had  Colvin  then  made  his 
appearance,  it  would  have  caused  immediate  death. 
Even  now  a  faintness  w^as  created  that  was  painful  to 
endure."  Soon  a  letter  was  sent  to  Manchester  in- 
forming that  there  was  a  probability  that  the  man 
supposed  to  be  murdered  was  yet  alive,  and  that  Mr. 
Whelply,  of  New- York,  formerly  of  Manchester,  and 
•who  was  intimately  acquainted  with  Colvin,  had  actu- 

♦  Mr.  Chadwick  and  Mr.  Polhamus  live  distant  from  each  other  about 
forty  miles. 


226 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


ally  gone  to  New-Jersey  in  quest  of  liim.  Thus  there 
was  increasing  evidence  in  confirmation  of  the  letter. 
As  soon  as  Mr.  Whelply  had  returned  to  New-York, 
he  immediately  wrote  "  that  he  had  Colvin  with  him." 
A  Mr.  Rempton,  a  former  acquaintance  of  Russell's, 
wrote  to  his  friend  here,  "  that  while  writing  Russell 
Colvin  is  before  me."  A  New- York  paper  announced 
his  arrival  also,  and  that  he  would  soon  set  out  for  Ver- 
mont. Notwithstanding  all  this,  many  gave  no  credit  to 
the  report,  but  considered  it  a  mere  deception.  Large 
bets  were  made.  On  the  22d  of  December,  Colvin  ar- 
rived in  the  stage  with  Mr.  Whelply  at  Bennington. 
The  county  court  being  then  in  session,  all  were  filled 
with  astonishment  and  surprise.  The  court  suspended 
business  for  some  hours,  to  gaze  upon  one  who  in  a  sense 
had  been  dead,  and  is  alive  again.  Many  who  formerly 
knew  him  now  saw  that  there  could  be  no  deception ; 
Russell  could  call  many  of  them  by  name.  Towards 
evening,  the  same  day,  he  came  to  Manchester ;  notice 
being  given  that  he  was  near  at  hand,  a  cry  was  heard, 
"  Colvin  has  come .'"  The  stage  was  driven  swiftly, 
and  a  signal  extended  ;  it  was  all  bustle  and  confusion. 
The  stage  stopped  at  Captain  Black's  inn.  The  vil- 
lage was  all  alive  ;  all  were  running  to  obtain  sight  of  the 
man  who  they  had  no  doubt  was  dead,  and  had  come 
as  a  kind  of  saviour  to  one  who  was  devoted  to  the  gib- 
bet. Some,  like  Thomas  in  another  case,  would  not 
believe  without  tangible  evidence.  People  gathered 
around  him  with  such  eagerness  as  to  render  it  impos- 
sible to  press  through  the  crowd,  or  obtain  a  sight  of 
him.  Almost  all  his  old  acquaintance  he  could  recog- 
nise, and  call  them  by  name.  Several  guns  were  dis- 
charged for  joy  ;  people  ran  to  different  parts  of  the 
town  to  give  notice.  The  prison  door  was  unbolted — 
the  news  proclaimed  to  Stephen  that  Colvin  had  come  ! 
The  welcome  reception  given  it  by  the  joyful  prisoner 
need  not  be  mentioned.  The  chains  on  his  arms 
were  taken  off,  while  those  on  his  legs  remained  ;  be- 
ing impatient  of  an  interview  with  him  who  had  come 
to  bring  salvation,  they  met,    Colvin  gazed  upon  the 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


227 


chains,  and  asked,  "  What  is  that  for  ?"  Stephen  an- 
swers, "  Because  they  say  I  murdered  you."  Russell 
rephed,  "You  never  hurt  me."  His  wife,  and  friends, 
and  people  from  every  part  of  the  town  were  collected. 
Joy  and  gladness  sat  on  every  countenance.  Many 
shoots  of  rejoicing  were  heard,  together  with  the  dis- 
charge of  cannon.  The  news  having  been  spread  that 
Colvin  had  come  to  Manchester,  the  next  day  there 
was  a  large  collection  from  the  neighbouring  towns, 
who  met  to  behold  the  returned  exile,  and  to  express 
their  high  satisfaction  on  the  occasion.  J  think  I  can 
say  that  I  scarcely  ever  saw  more  exultation  and  ten- 
der sympathy  on  any  occasion.  Not  less  than  fifty 
cannon  were  discharged,  and  at  a  seasonable  hour 
they  returned  to  their  places  of  abode.  Mrs.  Colvin 
came  to  see  her  husband,  but  he  took  but  little  notice 
of  her,  intimating  that  she  did  not  belong  to  him. 
Some  of  his  children  came  to  see  him,  of  whom  he  ap- 
peared somewhat  fond.  He  wondered  how  they  came 
here,  as  he  said  "  he  left  them  in  New-Jersey,  and 
must  take  them  back."  He  fancies  that  he  is  the 
owner  of  the  farm  belonging  to  Mr.  Polhamus,  in  Do- 
ver ;  talks  much  about  his  property  there.  It  is  ob- 
served by  those  who  formerly  knew  him,  that  his 
mental  derangement  is  nmch  greater  than  it  was  when 
he  left  Manchester.  Many  things  that  took  place 
years  ago  he  can  recollect  with  accuracy,  and  de- 
scribes with  a  degree  of  propriety.  He  discovers  a 
placid  and  harmless  disposition.  The  family  where  he 
resided  in  New- Jersey  arc  fond  of  him,  wish  him  to 
return  and  spend  his  days  with  them,  of  whicli  he 
seems  ver\'  desirous ;  accordingly,  on  the  29th  of  De- 
cember, he  set  out  from  Manchester  with  Mr.  Wh'elp- 
ly  for  New-York,  who  engaged  to  convey  him  from 
thence  to  his  former  habitation  in  New-Jersey,  having 
received  remuneration  from  this  town  for  that  purpose. 
There  it  is  probable  Colvin  will  end  his  days.  Ste- 
phen is  not  in  a  state  of  confinement,  but  lives  with 
his  family.  Jesse  is  still  in  state-prison,  has  heard 
the  news,  and  has  written  to  his  attorney  to  use  means 


S28 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


for  his  release.  It  is  probable  that  the  honourable 
court  will  provide  some  way  by  which  they  may  ob- 
tain a  legal  dismission  at  their  session,  which  is  at 
Bennington,  on  the  third  Tuesday  of  January  instant. 

The  writer  would  observe,  that  publishing  the  above 
narrative  was  the  effect  of  friendly  importunity.  It 
may  be  expected  that  imputations  of  an  unwarranted 
nature  on  the  town  of  Manchester,  and  on  the  civil  au- 
thority of  Vermont,  will  be  made  ;  but  I  am  fully  of  the 
opinion,  were  the  matter  well  understood,  that  the  judi- 
cious and  candid  would  be  satisfied. 

It  must  be  acknowledged,  that  it  is  one  of  the  most 
mysterious  events  recorded  in  the  annals  of  time. 
There  are  circumstances  attending  it  which  are  still  en- 
veloped in  obscurity  that  human  sagacity  cannot  ex- 
plore. Has  there  murder  been  committed  at  Manches- 
ter ?  is  a  question  often  suggested  by  people  abroad. 
We  are  ready  to  answer,  that  evidence  to  prove  such 
an  event  does  not  appear.  One  thing  we  are  sure  of, 
that  Russell  Colvin  has  not  been  murdered ;  and  that 
the  prisoners  condemned  are,  and  ought  to  be,  exon- 
erated. 

Lemuel  Haynes, 

Manchester,  Vt.,  1820. 

Addition. — About  four  years  after  Colvin  was  mis- 
sing, some  children  of  Mr.  Johnson's,  near  the  place 
where  it  was  supposed  that  the  murder  had  been  com- 
mitted, found  a  hat ;  they  carried  it  home  :  all  agreed 
that  it  was  Colvin's  hat :  it  was  in  such  an  injured  state 
that  it  was  pulled  in  pieces  and  thrown  away. — Colvin 
was  unwilling  to  return  to  Vermont  with  Mr.  W^helply, 
who  was  obliged  to  have  recourse  to  stratagem.  A 
yotmg  woman  of  Russell's  acquaintance  agreed  to  ac- 
company him,  pretending  that  they  only  designed  a  visit 
to  New-York.  While  there  she  was  missing,  which 
excited  some  uneasiness  in  the  mind  of  the  returning 
exile.  While  staying  a  few  days  at  New-York,  to  pre- 
vent his  returning,  Mr.  Whelply  told  him  there  were 
British  men-of-war  lying  in  the  harbour,  and,  unless  he 


REV,  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


229 


kept  williin  doors,  he  would  be  kidnapped.  This  had 
the  desired  efiect.  Colvin,  when  he  set  out  for  Man- 
chester, conchided  that  he  was  on  liis  way  home  to 
New-Jersey,  and  never  perceived  tlie  deception  until  he 
came  to  Bennington,  and  saw  many  people  with  whom 
he  had  formerly  been  acquainted,  and  he  was  filled  with 
surprise. 


The  Prisoner  Released.  A  Sermon  delivered  at  Man- 
chester, Vermont,  Lord's  Day,  Jan.  9th,  1820,  on 
the  remarkable  interposition  of  Divine  Providence 
in  the  deliverance  of  Stephen  and  Jesse  Boorn, 
toho  had  been  under  sentence  of  death  for  the  sup- 
posed murder  of  Russell  Colvin.  To  which  are 
added,  some  particulars  relating  thereto.  By  Lem- 
uel Haynes,  a.  M.,  Minister  of  the  gospel  in  Man- 
chester. 

Isaiah  xlix.,  9 :  Tliat  thou  mayst  say  to  the  prison- 
ers, Go  fortli ;  to  them  that  are  in  darkness,  Show  your- 
selves. 

HiEROGLYPHiCAL  illustratioHs  were  very  common 
among  the  eastern  nations,  which  shows  the  propriety 
of  their  being  so  much  used  in  the  sacred  volume. 
The  wretched  and  forlorn  slate  of  mankind  is  set  forth 
hy  metaphors  the  most  apt  and  appropriate.  The  char- 
acter and  work  of  the  ever-blessed  Redeemer  are  desig- 
nated in  terms  calculated  to  meet  the  exigences  of  fall- 
en creatures.  Are  men  said  to  be  blind  ?  Jesus  is  ex- 
hibited as  the  light  of  the  world ;  as  one  who  has  eye- 
salve  and  can  open  the  eyes.  Are  men  said  to  be  phor  ? 
Christ  is 'compared  to  gold,  who  can  make  them  rich. 
Are  they  naked  ?  he  has  white  raiment  to  clothe  them, 
that  the  shame  of  their  nakedness  need  not  appear. 

\rc  men  starving  ?  Jesus  is  the  bread  of  life.  Are  we 
liondage  or  in  prison  1  Christ  is  anointed  to  proclaim 

.  erty  to  the  captives,  and  the  opening  of  the  prison  to 
them  that  are  bound.  Isa.  l.xi.,  1  :  "He  says  to  the 
U 


230 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


prisoners,  Go  forth ;  to  them  that  are  in  darkness,  Show 
yourselves !" 

Prisons  are  of  ancient  date — they  have  their  origin 
in  human  depravity.  Tiiey  are  places  vi^here  criminals 
are  confined  to  restrain  them  from  acts  of  violence,  and 
to  secure  the  safety  of  the  commonwealth.  There  is 
doubtless  reference  had  in  my  text  to  the  emancipation 
of  the  Jews  from  a  long  and  distressing  captivity,  which 
is  emblematical  of  the  conversion  of  sinners  that  are  in 
spiritual  thraldom,  but  yet  prisoners  of  hope.  Could  the 
late  wonderful  providence  of  God  in  delivering  our  fel- 
low-mortals be  improved  for  the  emancipation  of  pre- 
cious souls  from  the  prison  of  death  and  hell,  oh  !  with 
what  thanksgiving,  with  what  ecstasies  of  joy  should  we 
hail  such  an  event !  To  improve  it  to  this  purpose  is 
my  main  design  on  this  occasion,  and  I  am  persuaded, 
my  brethren,  that  you  will  this  day  bid  me  God  speed, 
and  not  withhold  your  assistance  in  a  matter  so  solemn 
and  important. 

Wherein  there  is  and  is  not  a  similarity  in  the  mat- 
ters before  us,  is  the  order  proposed. 

1.  Prisoners  are  in  a  state  of  confineincnt  by  an  act 
of  the  civil  authority,  and  are  condcnmed  by  law  :  the 
murderer  for  shedding  blood  :  so  the  wicked  arc  arrest- 
ed by  an  act  of  the  court  of  Heaven,  and  are  condemn- 
ed alread}^  John  iii.,  18.  The  endictment  against  the 
wicked  is  very  high:  (kid  makes  inquisition  for  blood, 
Psalm  ix.,  12.  Is  it  not  more  than  probable  that  tlie 
blood  of  a  husband,  a  wife,  a  brother,  a  sister,  a  child,  is 
crying  from  a  repository  of  the  dead  against  you,  with 
accents  not  less  severe  and  significant  than  the  blood 
of  a  murdered  Abel  ?  Yea,  perhaps  from  the  prison  of 
eternal  despair,  to  which  place  your  unfaithfulness  has 
consigned  them.  You  are  endicted  for  suicide,  for  de- 
stroying yourselves,  Hos.  xiii.,  9.  Neither  does  the 
charge  stop  here.  You  stand  convicted  before  the 
court  of  Heaven  for  shedding  the  precious  blood  of  the 
son  of  God,  or  making  a  violent  attempt  on  the  life  of 
the  God-man  mediator,  for  {li'eixing  the  Saviour,  Zech. 
xii.,  10,  For  crucifying  the  son  of  God  afresh,  and  for 


REV.  LEMUEL  IIAYNES. 


231 


putting  liim  to  open  shame,  Heb.  vi.,  6.  Does  not  a 
groaning  creation,  adverse  Providence,  and  a  guilty  con- 
science, bear  a  coincident  testimony  against  you  ? 

2.  Prisoners  are  cut  off  in  a  great  measure  from  hu- 
man society,  as  unfit  for  their  communion  and  fellow- 
ship. So  It  is  with  the  wicked — they  separate  them- 
selves. Saints  and  sinners  are  prone  to  keep  at  a  dis- 
tance from  each  other.  The  prisoner  converses  prin- 
cipally with  his  fellows  in  jail,  while  those  abroad  are 
not  fond  of  their  place  of  abode,  nor  of  their  company. 
While  constrained  to  stay  with  them,  they  are  forced  to 
exclaim,  in  the  language  of  David,  "  Wo  is  me  that  I 
sojourn  in  Mescch,  that  I  dwell  in  the  tents  of  Kedar." 
Psal.  cxx.,  5.  Men  naturally  Eire  deprived  of  the  bles- 
sing of  society,  and  the  privileges  of  the  children  of 
God. 

3.  Another  distressing  circumstance  that  attends  pris- 
oners is,  they  are  in  a  state  of  darkness,  as  mentioned 
in  the  text.  The  light  of  the  sun  does  not  shine  upon 
them.  The  wicked  are  said  to  sit  in  darkness,  to  walk 
in  darkness,  to  love  darkness,  &c.  They  are  blind  to 
their  own  characters  and  the  character  of  God — to  their 
own  danger,  and  to  the  only  way  of  escape.  Wicked 
men  behold  nothing  of  the  divine  glory  in  his  word  or 
in  his  works.  Their  eyes  are  blinded  and  fliey  cannot 
see.  Like  prisoners  confined  in  a  dungeon,  no  cheering 
ray  can  penetrate  the  impenetrable  wall,  or  illuminate 
the  solitary  mansion. 

4.  A  prison  is  a  place  of  distress  and  trouble.  What 
a  wretched  state  was  Jeremiah  in  when  cast  into  the 
dungeon,  where  was  no  water,  and  his  feet  sank  down 
into  the  mire  !  Eastern  monarchs,  when  they  had  cast 
their  wretched  captives  into  a  dungeon,  never  gave 
themselves  the  trouble  of  inquiring  about  them ;  but  let 
them  lie  a  long  time  in  that  miserable  condition,  wholly 
destitute  of  relief,  and  disregarded,  says  Bishop  Lowth. 
Prisoners  among  the  Romans  were  fettered  and  con-' 
fined  in  a  singular  manner.  One  end  of  the  chain, 
which  was  of  a  commodious  length,  was  fixed  about  the 
right  arm  of  the  prisoner,  and  the  other  about  the  left 


232 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


arm  of  a  soldier.  Imprisonment,  says  Dr.  Doddridge, 
is  a  much  greater  pmiishment  in  the  eastern  part  of  the 
world  than  here.  State  criminals,  especially  when  con- 
demned to  it,  are  not  only  forced  to  submit  to  a  very 
mean  and  scanty  allowance,  but  are  frequently  loaded 
with  clogs  and  yokes  of  heavy  wood,  in  which  they  can- 
not either  lie  or  sit  at  ease  ;  and  by  frequent  scourgings, 
and  sometimes  by  rackings,  are  frequently  brought  to  an 
untimely  end.  These  instances  are  introduced  to  illus- 
trate the  propriety  of  the  appropriate  allusion  in  my 
text.  The  wicked  are  represented  as  being  under  the 
bonds  of  iniquity — as  perishing  with  hunger — as  trav- 
ailing in  pain  all  their  days,  and  like  the  troubled  sea 
that  cannot  rest. 

'  5.  The  prisoner  assigned  to  an  impregnable  castle  is 
in  a  state  of  confinement ;  he  cannot  extricate  himself. 
His  case  is  in  a  sense  hopeless  and  helpless,  without  an 
interposition  of  Divine  power,  as  in  the  case  of  Daniel, 
and  Silas,  and  Peter.  Sinners  in  spiritual  bondage 
cannot  deliver  themselves,  being  bound  with  the  cords 
of  their  sins,  and  arc  morally  unable  to  burst  their  bands 
asunder,  scale  or  break  through  the  adamantine  walls 
of  their  iniquities. 

6.  Imprisonment  is  a  state  of  degradation.  Such  are 
despised  and  treated  witli  contempt.  So  the  wicked  are 
considered  as  outcasts,  forlorn,  vile,  and  despicable  in 
the  sight  of  God.  They  are  said  to  be  clothed  with 
shame,  Ifke  prisoners  having  on  them  filthy  garments — 
like  wretched  captives  covered  with  vermin,  loathed  and 
abhorred  by  the  Almighty,  and  will  be  treated  with  in- 
finite contempt  at  the  dav  of  judgment. 

7.  Criminals  have  a  time  appointed  by  authority  for 
their  execution,  when  they  must  be  brought  forth,  and 
in  a  public  manner  experience  a  shameful  death.  So 
the  sentence  is  pronounced  by  the  judge  of  quick  and 
dead  against  all  the  finally  impenitent,  and,  in  the  council 
of  God,  the  day  of  their  death  is  appointed  by  an  unal- 
terable decree  of  Heaven.  "  The  wicked  is  resented  to 
the  day  of  destruction — they  shall  be  brought  forth  to 
the  day  of  wrath,"  Job  xxi.,  30. 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


S33 


8.  Poor  prisoners  in  jail  are  objects  of  pity  and 
commiseration.  They  excite  the  tender  sympathy  of 
the  humane  and  benevolent.  Their  friends  mom"n  their 
sorrowful  stale,  and  tremble  at  the  approach  of  the  day 
of  their  execution.  Who  can  describe  the  distresses  of 
a  parent,  a  brother,  or  a  sister,  on  the  reflection  of  the 
state  of  a  child,  a  brother,  doomed  to  an  untimely  and 
ignominious  death!  They  bedew  their  pillow  with 
tears,  and  wearisome  days  and  nights  are  appointed  to 
them.  This,  my  friends,  is  but  an  imperfect  picture  of 
those  agonies  and  pains  that  God's  people  sometimes 
experience  by  reflecting  on  the  state  of  sinners  doomed 
to  the  first  and  second  death.  Paul  travailed  in  pain  for 
the  souls  of  men  ;  was  in  great  heaviness  and  sorrow  of 
heart.  "  O  that  my  head  were  waters,  and  my  eyes  a 
fountain  of  tears  !  Rivers  of  water  run  down  mine  eyes," 
were  the  exclamations  of  holy  David,  on  account  of 
those  who  were  under  the  condemnatory  sentence  of 
God's  holy  law,  and  every  moment  exposed  to  its  awful 
infliction  I 

2dly.  But  it  may  be  useful  to  draw  a  contrast  between 
the  two  cases  before  us. 

1 .  Prisoners  committed  to  jail  among  us  are  assigned 
there  by  men,  or  human  tribunals,  and  not  always  sanc- 
tioned by  the  Almighty.  But  the  wicked  are  doomed 
to  punishment  by  an  act  issued  from  the  court  of  Heav- 
en. Jesus,  who  is  appointed  judge,  pronounces  the 
awful  sentence,  "  Let  him  be  taken  from  among  men, 
from  the  prison  on  earth,  and  delivered  to  the  tormen- 
tors, to  suffer  eternal  death !"  The  denunciation  is 
from  the  majesty  of  Heaven,  and  fills  the  trembling 
criminal  with  terror  and  dismay.  He  shudders !  he 
sinks !  like  an  aiTrighted  Belshazzar.  His  counte- 
nance is  changed  ;  the  joints  of  his  limbs  are  loosed, 
and  his  knees  smite  one  against  another !  Prisoners 
condemned  by  earthly  judiciaries  may  entertain  hopes 
that  they  may  possibly  escape  the  hands  of  men,  or  have 
the  sentence  reversed,  or  the  punishment  commuted ; 
but  when  it  is  denounced  by  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  the 
incorrigible  sinner  can  have  no  hope  in  his  present  state. 


234 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


He  cannot  flee  from  the  hands  of  the  Almighty,  nor  sup- 
port himself  amid  his  inflexible  wrath.  "  God  will  not 
meet  him  as  a  man,  but  will  take  vengeance." — Isa. 
xlvii.,  3.  His  hands  cannot  be  strong,  nor  his  heart  en- 
dure, when  God  shall  deal  with  him. 

2.  When  the  sentence  is  passed  on  criminals,  they 
can  sometimes  appeal  to  higher  authority,  and  obtain 
favour :  have  a  new  trial,  plead  an  error  of  court,  or  a 
commutation  of  punishment;  but  there  is  no  appeal 
from  the  court  of  Heaven ;  no  mitigation  of  sentence ; 
but,  amid  all  the  schemes  and  inventions  of  men,  the 
counsel  of  the  Lord  that  shall  stand. 

3.  Criminals  among  men  are  allowed  counsel  to  plead 
for  them ;  and  their  cause  is  often  ably  defended  by 
gentlemen  of  the  bar.  But  this  will  not  be  admitted 
before  the  tribunal  of  Christ.  None  will  even  dare  to 
undertake  for  them  before  the  assembled  universe ;  to 
none  of  the  saints  can  they  turn;  their  cause  will  ap- 
pear so  unreasonable  and  hopeless,  that  no  man  or  atigel 
will  dare  to  say  a  word  in  their  behalf. 

4.  Those  confined  in  prison  for  crimes  bear  a  small 
proportion  to  the  world  in  general.  The  rapid  increase 
of  late  of  men  of  this  character,  is  an  alarming  consid- 
eration, and  calls  all  classes  of  men,  especially  rulers, 
to  vigilance,  humiliation,  and  prayer.  But,  blessed  be 
God,  humanity  and  philanthropy  are  still  distinguishing 
characteristics  of  our  land  in  general ;  and  there  is  a 
laudable  disposition  prevalent  among  our  citizens,  to  ap- 
preliend  and  detect  those  wlio,  by  their  enormous 
crimes,  forfeit  their  hberties  and  their  hves  into  the 
hands  of  civil  justice.  Murderers  in  our  land  and  on 
the  high  seas  cannot  elude  the  hand  of  the  pursuer. 
Although  they  flee  to  foreign  countries,  tl)ey  are  detected 
and  remanded  to  our  shores,  to  receive  the  punishment 
due  to  their  crimes.  But  have  we  not  reason  to  fear 
that  the  number  of  those  who  are  in  a  state  of  spiritual 
bondage  and  imprisonment  is  very  great,  vastly  exceed- 
ing those  who  have  been  made  free  by  the  Son  of  God  ; 
and  still  have  a  dreadful  verdict  lying  against  them  in 
the  Supreme  Court  above  ?    Not  to  mention  heati:ien 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES, 


235 


lands,  whose  dreary  regions  have  never  been  illuminated 
by  the  exhilarating  beams  of  the  Sun  of  righteousness. 
How  few  comparatively,  even  under  the  light  of  the 
gospel,  who  are  called  upon  to  go  forth  from  their 
wretched  confinement  and  show  themselves,  obey  the 
heavenly  mandate  ! 

5.  The  imperfections  incident  to  all  men  and  all 
courts  of  judicature,  render  them  liable  to  wrong  ver- 
dicts. The  most  prudent  and  experienced  cannot  plead 
exemption.  The  innocent  may  be  condemned,  and  the 
guilty  go  with  impunity.  But  the  great  Searcher  of 
hearts  cannot  be  deceived.  Every  decision  is  dictated 
by  infinite  wisdom  and  infinite  goodness :  he  can  by  no 
means  clear  the  guilty  or  condemn  the  innocent.  "  God 
^\  ill  judge  the  people  Avith  perfect  equity,  and  justice 
and  judgment  are  the  habitation  of  his  throne,"  Psal. 
Ixxxix.,  14. 

II.  Let  us  attend  to  the  other  illustration  in  the  text, 
which  implies  deliverance — "  Go  forth — show  your- 
selves." The  author  of  it  is  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 
That  THOU  mayst  say,  viz.,  the  person  designated  or 
appointed  by  the  Father,  see  verse  8th,  "Thus  saith 
tlie  Lord,  In  an  acceptable  time  have  I  heard  thee,  and 
in  a  day  of  salvation  have  I  helped  thee ;  and  I  will 
preserve  thee,  and  give  thee  for  a  covenant  ef  the  peo- 
ple, to  establish  the  earth,  to  cause  to  inherit  the  deso- 
late heritages." 

The  deliverance  of  sinners  is  consistent  with  the  law 
of  God  and  dignity  of  divine  government.  It  is  by  the 
blood  of  the  covenant  that  prisoners  are  sent  out  of  the 
pit  wherein  there  is  no  water,  Zech.  ix.,  II.  It  cannot 
be  admitted  in  any  other  way,  as  intimated  in  the  text, 
"  That  thou  mayst ;"  suggesting  the  idea  that  the  thing 
may  not  take  place  on  any  other  condition.  The  Lord 
Jesus  Christ  brings  about  the  deliverance  of  his  elect 
through  the  instrumentality  of  means ;  not  that  they 
are  efficacious  ;  for,  after  all,  God  gives  the  increase. 
( rod  is  said  to  save  men  by  the  foolishness  of  preach- 
1  Cor.  i.,  12.  In  the  late  instance  among  us,  it 
was  God  who  wrought  the  salvation ;  but  it  was  brought 


236 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


about  by  means,  and  very  unexpected.  There  was  a 
series  of  events  that  might  be  traced ;  but  they  were 
all  directed  by  the  invisible  hand  of  Him  who  worketh 
all  things  after  the  counsel  of  his  own  will,  Eph.  i.,  11. 
In  delivering  men  from  the  bondage  of  sin  and  death, 
God  defers  it  to  an  extreme  hour,  that  his  power  and 
grace  may  clearly  appear,  to  which  men  are  apt  to  be 
exceedingly  blind.  The  sentiment  suggested  may  de- 
rive a  degree  of  illustration  by  the  late  providence  of 
God,  with  which  we  are  all  acquainted.  Measures 
were  used  in  vain  to  deliver  from  punishment.  Court 
and  jury  were  unanimously  against  the  prisoners.  The 
public  voice  pronounced  the  verdict  just,  and  were  not 
altogether  satisfied  with  the  commutation  of  the  punish- 
ment of  death  for  that  of  imprisonment  for  life,  granted 
to  one  of  them  by  legislative  authority.  With  respect 
to  Mr.  Stephen  Boorn,  there  were  ninety-seven  against 
forty-two  members  in  the  house  who  were  opposed  to 
affording  him  any  relief,  so  that  he  was  left  to  suffer 
death,  agreeably  to  sentence.  Able  counsel  was  em- 
ployed. No  hope  of  escaping  out  of  custody,  being 
cast  into  the  inner  prison,  bound  in  triple  chains,  and 
carefully  guarded.  The  object  of  going  in  search  of 
the  exile  supposed  to  be  murdered  was  pretty  much  re- 
linquished. The  advertisement  published  at  the  re- 
quest of  the  criminals  was  not  a  means  of  the  informa- 
tion that  Colvin  was  yet  alive,  as  Mr.  Chadwick's  letter 
was  anterior  to  his  having  seen  that  publication.  The 
time  of  execution  was  drawing  nigh,  and  not  a  gleam 
of  hope  from  any  quarter.  Until,  behold,  from  a  far 
country  the  Lord  raised  up  an  instrument  of  deliver- 
ance, a  stranger  to  us  all.  It  was  great,  seasonable, 
satisfactory,  and  sure. 

It  may  be  worthy  of  remark,  and  tend  to  illustrate 
Divine  niterposition,  that  Mr.  Chadwick  was  not  in  the 
habit  of  taking  the  Evening  Post,  which  contained  the 
trial  at  Manchester,  and  which  inclined  him  to  write 
the  letter,  by  which  information  was  obtained  that  the 
man  supposed  to  be  murdered  was  yet  alive,  but  had 


REV,  LEMt-EL  HAYNES. 


237 


ilie  paper  put  into  his  hand  by  what  we  are  wont  to 
call  mere  accident. 

"  Just  in  the  last  distressing  hour, 
The  Lord  displays  delivering  power ; 
The  mount  of  danger  is  the  place 
Where  we  shall  see  surprising  grace." 

When  God  says  to  prisoners,  "  Go  forth  !  show  your- 
selves !"  what  power  in  the  word !  Their  chains  are 
taken  off — the  bars  of  the  prison-house  broken  !  With 
joy  they  leave  the  solitary  dungeon  !  They  are  quick- 
ened, and  made  to  stand  on  their  feet,  and  walk  at  large, 
and  are  restored  to  the  arms  of  their  friends,  and  to  the 
liberties  and  immunities  of  God's  people.  The  poor 
prisoner  leaps  for  joy — comes  to  the  light — shows  him- 
self— is  beheld  with  raptures  of  transport — appears  in 
a  different  point  of  light  to  all  beholders — shows  him- 
self as  one  exonerated,  and  to  whom  there  is  no  con- 
demnation— is  a  fellow-citizen  with  the  saints.  "  To 
open  the  blind  eyes,  to  bring  out  the  prisoners  from  the 
prison,  and  them  that  sit  in  darkness  out  of  the  prison- 
house.  Sing  unto  the  Lord  a  new  song,  and  his  praise 
from  the  end  of  the  earth,  ye  that  go  down  to  the  sea, 
and  all  that  is  therein  ;  the  isles,  and  the  inhabitants 
thereof.  Let  the  wilderness  and  the  cities  thereof  lift 
up  tiieir  voice,  the  villages  that  Kedar  doth  iitliabit :  let 
the  inhabitants  of  the  rock  sing,  let  them  shout  from 
the  top  of  the  mountains.  Let  them  give  glory  unto  the 
Lord,  and  declare  his  praise  in  the  islands,"  Isa.  xlii. 
"  And  the  ransomed  of  the  Lord  shall  return,  and  come 
to  Zion  with  songs  and  everlasting  joy  upon  their  heads ; 
they  shall  obtain  joy  and  gladness,  and  sorrow  and 
sighing  shall  flee  away,"  Isa.  xxxv.,  10. 

There  is  certainly  a  degree  of  likeness  in  the  two 
cases  before  us,  or  the  deliverance  of  men  out  of  com- 
mon jails  and  the  sentence  denounced  against  them,  and 
tlic  freeing  the  wicked  from  the  bondage  of  sin  and  con- 
demnation. To  draw  a  striking  contrast  may  be  use- 
iul  on  the  present  occasion. 

1.  In  the  case  of  the  former,  their  trial  is  before 
earthly  courts — their  sentence  denounced  by  them  ;  but 


238 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


the  deliverance  of  the  wicked  from  the  power  and  do- 
minion of  sin,  is  the  special  and  immediate  work  of 
God,  or  the  mighty  agencies  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  The 
people  of  God  may  work — ministers  may  preach,  and 
say  to  prisoners,  "  come  forth  !" — but  it  will  be  foolish- 
ness, it  will  be  ineffectual,  until  the  arm  of  the  Lord  be 
revealed.  Then,  and  not  till  then,  will  the  foundation 
of  the  prison  be  shaken,  and  all  the  doors  opened,  and 
the  bands  loosed. 

2.  Sinners  confined  in  the  prison  of  their  sins  are 
unwilling  to  leave  it — they  love  prison  fare  and  com- 
pany— love  their  chains — love  darkness  ;  and,  although 
the  door  is  thrown  wide  open,  and  liberty  proclaimed  to 
the  captives,  yet  they  will  not  come  forth  nor  show 
themselves  ;  but  exert  their  power  and  faculties  to  close 
the  door,  and  deeper  drive  the  massy  bolts,  and  shut  out 
every  ray  of  divine  light,  it  being  painful  to  them.  But 
men  confined  in  earthly  dungeons,  when  they  hear  the 
news  of  their  emancipation,  how  do  they  leap  to  lose 
their  chains,  and  bid  adieu  to  their  gloomy  abode  !  Oh  ! 
how  welcome  the  invitation — "Go  forth  out  of  dark- 
ness ! — show  yourself !"  When  a  poor  prisoner  reflects 
on  the  many  painful  days  spent  in  the  melancholy  cell, 
separated  from  dear  connexions  and  friends,  in  expecta- 
tion of  a  horrible  death,  oh !  how  welcome  the  rever- 
sion of  the  doom  !  none  but  the  experienced  caji  form  a 
conception. 

3.  'Tis  sometimes  the  case  that  criminals  are  acquit- 
ted on  the  principle  of  distributive  justice  ;  they  are 
not  found  guilty  of  the  crime  alleged,  or  for  which  they 
were  committed ;  but  the  wicked  can  never  be  ac- 
quitted in  this  way.  They  are  fully  guilty  of  every 
crime  with  which  tliey  are  charged.  There  can  be  no 
error  in  the  testimony  and  decision  to  oppose  or  com- 
mute the  punishment.  No  irrelevant  witness  can  be 
admitted  for  or  against  the  prisoner.  'Tis  pardoning 
grace  through  a  mediator  that  frees  the  penitent  from 
the  sanctions  of  the  law. 

4.  The  emancipation  granted  by  human  courts  is 
only  a  reprieve  of  the  body  for  a  few  years,  months,  or 


REV.  LEMVEL  HAYNES. 


239 


clays — perhaps  hours  or  moments.  Death  may  be  in- 
tUcted  by  the  hand  of  (iod  before  the  time  specified  in 
the  sentence  of  civil  authority.  But  tlie  act  of  the  Al- 
mighty frees  the  soul  from  the  terrors  of  the  first  and 
second  death. 

When  God  delivers  siimers  from  the  slavery  and 
bondage  of  their  sins,  and  the  sentence  thereto  annexed, 
he  confers  great  blessings  upon  them — bestows  many 
valuable  gifts  by  which  they  are  made  rich.  Psal. 
Iwiii.,  18  :  "  Thou  hast  ascended  on  high,  thou  hast  led 
captivitA'  captive  ;  thou  hast  received  gifts  for  men,  yea, 
for  tiie  rebellious  also."  When  men  are  liberated  from 
prisons,  people  may  be  disposed  to  make  them  some 
remuneration ;  but  it  is  only  temporal  good  at  best  they 
can  impart,  which  can  only  relieve  them  and  family  from 
bodily  wants. 

5.  Persons  exonerated  by  earthly  judiciaries  are  lia- 
ble to  arrests  for  new  offences.  Many  have  been  ac- 
quitted from  jails  or  state  prisons,  but  again  commit 
crimes  and  are  sentenced  to  death,  and  in  a  few  months 
executed.  Such  instances  of  late  have  been  within  our 
observations.  But  those  whom  the  Lord  acquits  will 
never  again  be  arraigned  before  the  court  of  Heaven  and 
condemned.  None  can  or  dare  lay  any  thing  to  their 
charge,  so  as  to  sentence  them  to  death ;  for  ijiere  is  no. 
condemnation  to  them,  Rom.  viii.,  1.  Tiiere  is  an 
immutable  and  an  eternal  act  of  absolution  issued  for  all 
past  and  future  crimes. 

The  late  remarkable  occurrence,  or  dispensations  of 
Divine  providence  among  us,  in  relation  to  the  prison- 
ers condemned  and  their  wonderful  deliverance,  will 
form  an  epoch  in  the  annals  of  history  that  will  be 
transmitted  to  generations  yet  unborn.  Reflections  of 
a  serious  and  interesting  nature  are  suggested. 

1 .  The  imperfection  of  human  nature  under  peculiar 
advantages  is  clearly  exhibited.  Perhaps  in  no  case 
was  circumstantial  evidence  more  clear  and  conclu- 
.'^ivc,  or  greater  unanimity  in  court  and  jury,  or  coinci- 
dence in  the  public  mind.  But  few  who  did  hesi- 
tate to  bring  in  tlieir  verdict  of  guilty.    The  wisdom, 


240 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


candour,  and  integrity  of  the  board  of  trial  cannot  be 
questioned.  Neither  are  we  disposed  to  impeach  the 
witnesses  in  general.  Even  the  prisoner  himself  had 
confessed  the  crime,  and  after  all  we  are  assured  that 
they  are  innocent.  It  may  prove  a  caution  to  us  to 
look  as  favourably  as  possible  on  the  side  of  innocence, 
and  to  the  exercise  of  that  charily  that  "  hopeth  all 
things,"  and  not  be  too  hasty  in  taking  up  a  reproach 
against  our  neiglibour,  Psal.  xv.,  3.  Courts  of  judica- 
ture are  hereby  taught  to  proceed  with  the  utmost  de- 
liberation and  carefulness,  especially  in  cases  of  life 
and  death,  and  not  decide  without  very  clear  and  con- 
clusive evidence.*  How  far  the  opinion  of  our  first 
commentators  on  law  ought  to  be  regarded,  is  out  of 
the  preacher's  province  to  determuie — but  a  point  to  be 
discussed  by  gentlemen  of  the  bar.  "  All  presumptive 
evidence  of  felony  should  be  admitted  cautiously," 
says  Blackstone,  "for  the  law  holds  that  it  is  better 
that  ten  guilty  persons  escape  than  that  one  innocent 
suffer."  And  Sir  Matthew  Hale,  in  particular,  lays 
down  tvvo  rules,  most  prudent  and  necessary  to  be  ob- 
served:  "1.  Never  to  convict  a  man  for  stealing  the 
goods  of  a  person  unknown,  merely  because  he  will 
give  no  account  how  he  came  by  them,  unless  an  ac- 
tual felony  be  proved  of  such  goods.  2.  Never  to 
convict  any  person  of  murder  or  manslaughter  till  at 
least  the  body  be  found  dead ;"  on  -account  of  two  in- 
stances he  mentions  where  persons  were  executed  for 
the  murder  of  others  who  were  then  alive,  but  missing. 

2.  The  final  issue  and  termination  of  the  event,  so 
plainly  in  favour  of  the  reputed  criminals,  should  by 
no  means  be  improved  as  a  discouragement  to  search 
after  iniquity,  and  use  all  proper  measures  to  detect 
transgressors,  and  bring  them  to  condign  punishment. 

*  These  remarks  are  not  designed  as  the  least  reflection  on  the  honour- 
able court  who  attended  at  Manchester.  I  have  often  observed,  that  du- 
ring the  trial  there  appeared  to  be  a  favourable  leaning  in  behalf  of  the 
criminals,  and  a  very  candid  indulgence.  Evidence  not  directly  in  point 
was  not  admitted.  Mr.  S.  Boom  has  repeatedly  told  me  and  others  that 
he  did  not  blame  the  authority  for  deciding  against  him,  considering  the 
evidence  adduced.  This  he  has  obsrr\'ed  to  me  since  the  sitting  of  the 
Supreme  Court. 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


241 


In  apprehending  criminals  there  are  two  objects  pro- 
posed :  viz.,  to  find  out  the  guilty,  and  clear  the  inno- 
cent. These  ideas  are  inseparably  involved.  When 
the  latter  is  effected,  character  is  retrieved,  the  man 
honoured  and  restored  to  society,  and  the  dignity  and 
safety  6f  the  state  secured.  A  more  important  point  is 
obtained  even  to  the  public  than  if  criminality  Avere  dis- 
covered. 

If  positive  evidence  in  the  minds  of  all  must  be  ob- 
tained of  offence  anterior  to  public  process,  it  would 
render  investigation  in  almost  all  cases  unnecessary. 
That  there  were  grovuids  for  suspicion  that  murder  had 
been  committed  at  Manchester,  none  acquainted  with 
all  the  circumstances  will  deny ;  and  that  it  became  an 
imperious  duty  to  inquire  into  the  matter  will  not  be 
disputed  by  the  candid.  Whether  there  has  been  too 
much  or  too  little  attention  paid  to  the  matter,  and 
whether  every  thing  has  been  attended  to  in  the  best 
manner,  would  be  to  contend  with  the  doctrine  of  hu- 
man imperfection.  The  result  is  favourable,  and  we 
rejoice. 

3.  We  are  clearly  taught  that  there  is  a  superintend- 
ing providence  that  directs  all  events ;  that  the  works 
of  God  are  great  and  marvellous,  and  past  finding  out. 
The  goodness  of  the  Almighty  is  plainly , illustrated. 
While  he  is  one  that  will  by  no  means  clear  the  guilty, 
yet  he  will  deliver  the  innocent  in  his  own  time  and 
way.  "  God  will  execute  judgment  for  the  oppressed 
— give  food  to  the  hungiy  :  the  Lord  looseth  the  prison- 
ers :  He  hcareth  the  groaning  of  prisoners,  to  loose 
those  who  are  appointed  to  death."  If  the  Lord  is  so 
ready  in  such  a  wonderful  way  to  rescue  the  bodies  and 
hves  of  men  from  death,  may  we  not  argue  from  the 
less  to  the  greater,  and  infer  the  infinite  benignity  of 
the  Saviour,  who  delivers  the  souls  of  men  from  end- 
less perdition.  Verily  the  Lord  is  good,  and  ready  to 
forgive. 

4.  We  are  evidently  taught,  by  reflecting  on  the  late 
dispensation  of  the  Almighty,  the  vast  importance  of 
paying  a  strict  attention  to  truth  and  veracity,  and  that 


242 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


at  all  times,  and  under  every  trying  circumstance.  How 
pertinent  that  injunction  oif  the  apostle,  Eph.  iv.,  15, 
Speaking  the  truth  in  love.  Those  who  have  been  the 
subjects  of  so  much  distress,  cannot  but  see  that  the 
want  of  adhering  properly  to  this  important  lesson  has 
been  a  fruitful  source  of  their  calamity  and  trouble,  and 
how  much  pains  and  cost  it  has  been  the  occasion  of: 
Let  parents  inculcate  this  important  duty  on  the  minds 
of  their  children  ;  and  let  every  instance  of  vexation  and 
sorrow  to  which  a  contrary  conduct  subjects  us,  teach 
us  to  pay  the  most  smcere  regard  to  truth  and  upright- 
ness, as  we  would  have  the  approbation  of  our  Judge, 
and  the  testimony  of  a  good  conscience.  , 

5.  The  subject  is  peculiarly  interesting  to  those 
among  us  who  have  lately  been  remarkably  emancipa- 
ted from  bondage,  slavery,  and  death.  Was  there  ever 
a  clearer  display  of  divine  interposition  ?  and  can  they 
be  blind  to  that  Almighty  hand  that  hath  wrought  deliv- 
erance ?  God  has  said  to  you  that  were  prisoners,  "  Go 
forth !" — to  you  who  were  in  darkness,  "  Show  your- 
selves !"  Hi\man  means  were  used  in  vain,  especially 
for  him  who  continued  under  sentence  of  death.  Apphca- 
tion  to  legislative  authority  only  tended  to  render  his  case 
more  desperate ;  as  it  diminished  the  power  of  the  gov- 
ernor and  council  to  grant  a  reprieve.  Nothing  scai  cely 
but  the  appearance  of  the  supposed  murdered  exile 
would  satisfy  the  public  mind,  or  reverse  the  sentence 
of  death,  and  it  was  little  to  be  expected.  But  amid  all 
these  gloomy  apprehensions,  the  arm  of  the  Lord  was 
revealed  in  your  behalf,  and  has  given  incontestible  evi- 
dence of  your  innocence.  The  prisoners  released,  espe- 
cially the  one  present,  will  recognise  those  melancholy 
days  and  nights  he  has  spent  in  the  dreary  dungeon ; 
shut  out  from  society,  from  your  family,  and  friends. 
I  can  never  forget  those  many  solitary  hours  I  have 
spent  with  you  amid  that  dismal  habitation.  I  have  in 
some  sense  been  a  kind  of  companion  with  you  in  trib- 
ulation. I  have  been  an  eye  and  an  ear  witness  to 
your  tears,  agonies,  and  groans,  under  the  awful  antici- 
pations of  an  ignominious  death,  and  of  a  speedy  separa- 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


243 


lion  from  the  dear  companion  of  your  youth  and  help- 
less children,  whom  you  declared  unto  me  were  dearer 
lo  you  than  life  itself.  Had  the  event  taken  place,  who 
could  relate  the  pitiful  story  to  fatherless  children ! 
Could  a  broken-hearted  mother  lead  them  to  some  ob- 
scure spot,  and  say.  There,  dear  children,  lie  the  remains 
of  an  imfortunate  parent,  who  wished  to  be  your  sup- 
port in  life  ;  the  fondness  of  whose  arms  were  wont  to 
embrace  you  with  parental  affection !  Could  she  point 
tliem  to  the  gibbet,  on  which  a  father  was  suspended, 
and  relate  the  melancholy  disaster!  —  To  conceal  it 
would  be  impossible,  and  to  relate  it  almost  impossi- 
ble. You  ought  to  consider,  that  although  you  are  re- 
stored to  your  family,  yet  God  must  be  their  support. 
That  Almighty  arm  that  has  taken  care  of  you  and  been 
your  preserver,  must  also  be  their  protector.  Your  anx- 
ious desire  to  be  restored  lo  your  family  is  granted  and 
effected  by  Him  whose  tender  mercies  are  over  all  his 
works.  You  cannot  but  feel  the  obligations  you  are  un- 
der of  gratitude  to  Him  who  has  almost  miraculously 
interposed  in  your  behalf.  Can  you  think  on  this  with- 
out the  most  sincere  emotions  of  praise  and  thanksgiv- 
ing ?  Can  you  refrain  from  having  an  altar  of  praise 
erected  in  yovu-  house  to  Him  who  has  done  such  great 
things  for  you  ?  Shall  not  the  morning  and  evening  sac- 
rifice ascend  like  holv  incense  from  your  habitation? 

This  display  of  Divine  goodness  should  lead  you  to 
repentance  ;  Rom.  ii.,  4.  Although  you  are  found  in- 
nocent of  the  charge  alleged  by  a  hum_an  court,  yet, 
with  respect  to  other  sins,  in  common  with  your  fellow- 
sinners,  you  cannot  plead  exemption.  'Tis  for  our  sins 
we  are  punished  by  the  hand  of  God.  'Tis  for  our  sins 
that  others  are  suffered  to  afflict  us.  You  cannot  but 
see  that  some  of  your  conduct  during  your  imprison- 
ment has  had  influence  in  the  decision  against  you.  By 
improper  and  wrong  concessions,  you  have  been  led  to 
self-crimination.  I  hope  you  will  review  your  past  con- 
duct, and  will  be  led  to  amendment  of  life.  You  have 
ingenuously  confessed  to  me,  that  you  have  too  much 
mdulged  yourself  in  imprudent  and  profane  language, 


244 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


which  has  greatly  been  improved  against  you  in  your 
late  trial.  You  have  been  sensible  of  this,  and  to  your 
credit  I  mention  it,  you  have  promised  to  reform.  The 
apostle  James,  in  relation  to  the  tongue,  says,  "  Behold 
what  a  great  matter  a  little  fire  kindleth  !"  The  good- 
ness of  God  in  sparing  you  is  a  sure  pledge  that  he  is 
willing  to  pardon  and  restore  you  to  his  favour.  Oh  ! 
reflect  on  the  wretched  state  to  which  twenty  days  more 
would  have  introduced  you,  had  you  died  in  your  sins. 
A  more  awful  prison  awaits  the  ungodly,  where  hope 
never  comes.  The  sentence  pronounced  against  you 
will  doubtless  soon  be  reversed ;  yet,  should  you  be 
found  impenitent,  the  court  of  heaven  still  holds  you  a 
prisoner  condemned,  and  the  more  awful  execution  may 
take  place  before  the  28th  of  January.  This  day  may 
form  a  kind  of  anniversary  in  your  life  :  you  will  always 
remember  it ;  and  oh !  may  it,  during  your  abode  on 
earth,  be  a  day  of  thanksgiving  to  God  for  the  signal 
display  of  his  mercy  towards  you  ! 

In  this  remarkable  providence  you  can  see  judgment 
and  mercy,  chastisement  and  benignity.  Affliction  in 
subjecting  you  for  months  to  a  dark  and  gloomy  prison 
in  chains — in  being  reputed  a  murderer — cut  off  from 
society,  your  family,  and  lying  under  the  sentence  of 
death.  But  here  is  divine  wisdom  and  goodness  displayed 
in  revershigthe  sentence,  retrieving  your  character,  &c. 
Had  you  been  exonerated  by  the  court,  or  if  the  pro- 
cess had  never  commenced,  'tis  probable  that  Colvin 
would  never  have  been  discovered,  and  a  stigma  might 
have  been  fixed  on  you  and  unborn  posterity.  But  God 
has  effectually  wiped  away  the  reproach.  The  prison- 
ers released  will  be  under  peculiar  temptations  to  in- 
dulge a  hard  and  bitter  spirit  towards  some  who  have 
appeared  in  evidence  against  them.  A  perfect  adhe- 
rence to  propriety  in  all  things,  amid  such  a  series  of 
events,  could  not  be  expected.  If  you  have  in  any  in- 
stance been  injured,  it  is  God's  prerogative  to  avenge 
the  wrong,  and  not  yours  ;  as  it  is  written,  "  To  me  be- 
longeth  vengeance  and  recompense. — Dearly  beloved, 
avenge  not  yourselves,  but  rather  give  place  unto 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


245 


wrath :  for  it  is  written,  Vengeance  is  mine  ;  I  will  re- 
pay, saith  the  Lord,"  Deut.  xxxii.,  35;  Rom.  xii.,  19. 
You  see  by  what  has  taken  place  in  your  late  trials,  that 
God  can  conduct  matters  best  even  for  you.  Commit 
all  to  him.  Be  of  a  peaceable,  forgiving  temper.  Sup- 
press every  unruly  passion,  and  all  evil  speaking.  Let 
God's  goodness,  so  wonderfully  displayed,  excite  you  to 
be  merciful,  as  our  Father  who  is  in  heaven  is  merciful. 
The  general  and  unusual  joy  manifested  by  this  and  the 
neighbouring  towns  on  the  return  of  your  deserted 
brother-in-law,  will,  I  think,  incline  you  to  believe  that 
they  were  not  hostile  to  your  life,  and  did  not  thirst  for 
human  blood.  Every  countenance  expressed  gladness, 
and  every  tongue  hailed  the  auspicious  day.  Shouts 
and  rejoicing  resounded  from  house  to  house,  and  from 
town  to  town.  All  seemed  anxious  to  drink  deep  with 
you  in  the  cup  of  your  deliverance. 

However  great  you  may  prize  your  escape  from  pris- 
on, how  much  more  ought  you  to  value  and  seek  ac- 
quittance and  freedom  from  the  fatal  bondage  of  sin  and 
death !  This  would  excite  singing  of  a  more  sublime 
and  ecstatic  nature.  All  heaven  would  exult  in  songs 
that  would  never,  never  end  !  Luke  xv.,  10.  Since  the 
Lord  has  in  so  wonderful  a  manner  spared  your  lives, 
oh !  what  obligations  are  you  under  to  devote  the  re- 
mainder to  God.  You  cannot  expect  another  call  so 
powerful  and  alarming;  and,  should  this  be  misimproved, 
may  you  not  consider  it  an  awful  presage  of  inevitable 
ruin  ?  Prov.  xxix.,  1  :  "  He  that,  being  often  reproved, 
hardeneth  his  neck,  shall  suddenly  be  destroyed,  and 
that  without  remedy." 

The  aged  parents  who  have  for  months  been  groan- 
ing under  the  heavy  hand  of  the  Almighty,  may  greatly 
rejoice.  You  have  been  mourning  children,  devoted  to 
a  shameful  and  untimely  death.  Had  it  taken  place, 
perhaps  it  would  have  brought  down  your  gray  hairs 
with  sorrow  to  the  grave.  The  miseries  that  come  upon 
our  children  should  lead  us  to  examine  whether  our 
unfaithfulness  to  the  concerns  of  their  souls  has  not  had 
influence  in  the  calamities  to  which  they  are  incident. 
X  2 


246 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


Every  day,  especially  the  shadows  of  evening,  did  not 
fail  to  waft  your  imaginations  to  the  doleful  mansions 
that  contained  your  unhappy  children,  while  horrible 
and  frightful  scenes  of  a  disgraceful  death  disturbed 
your  nightly  repose.  Every  enjoyment  of  life  was  im- 
bittered,  and  every  walk  became  solitary.  The  yearn- 
ing of  the  bowels  of  tender  parents  over  their  children, 
bound  in  chains,  doomed  to  the  gibbet,  is  taught  only  by 
experience.  Could  you  not  say  with  the  broken-heart- 
ed Jacob,  "  All  these  things  are  against  me  ?" 

The  dwellings  of  a  brother  and  sister  become  a  Bo- 
chim,  and  their  responsive  cries  enter  the  walls  of  dis- 
tress. At  home,  abroad,  in  the  house  of  God,  grief  hes 
heavy  on  their  souls ;  while  every  tender  feeling  of  the 
heart  swells  the  tide  of  anguish  and  distress.  Could 
an  affectionate  sister  hear  of  the  fatal  destiny  of  two 
brothers,  and  not  sink  beneath  the  heart-rendnig  ti- 
dings !*  Oh  the  bitter  reflections,  the  painful  sensa- 
tions among  friends,  whose  mingled  sorrows  absorb  all 
the  pleasures  of  life  ! 

But  why  should  I  harrow  up  the  soul  by  too  minute 
a  detail,  or  dwell  too  long  on  those  days  of  tribulation  ? 
They  are  passed  and  gone.  God  has  turned  your 
mourning  into  dancing.  Although  weeping  endured  for 
a  long  and  wearisome  night,  yet  joy  came  in  the  morn- 
ing. Let  Jehovah-jirah,  the  Lord  will  see  and  provide, 
be  written  on  the  posts  of  your  door,  and  on  the  fleshy 
tables  of  your  hearts.  Let  this  motto  be  inscribed  in 
legible  and  indelible  characters  on  all  your  deportment, 
that  he  may  run  that  readeth — The  Lord  hath  done 
great  things  for  us,  whereof  we  are  glad. 

I  trust  this  and  the  neighbouring  towns  have,  in  a  de- 
gree, by  their  conduct,  exemplified  that  inspired  injunc- 
tion, "  Rejoice  with  them  that  do  rejoice,  and  weep  with 
them  that  weep."  Their  readiness  to  afford  pecuniary 
relief  to  the  distressed  family,  is  a  practical  demonstra- 
tion.   It  has  for  months  past  been  a  time  of  peculiar 

*  Mrs.  Richardson,  sister  of  the  prisoners,  being  on  a  visit  to  a  neigh- 
bouring house,  on  hearing  that  the  sentence  of  death  was  pronounced 
against  her  brothers,  fell  prostrate  on  the  floor. 


REV.  LEMUEL  HATNES. 


247 


mourning  and  distress,  to  see  our  fellow-creatures  in 
wretched  confinement,  awaiting  an  awful  execution.  I 
trust  our  prayers  have  been  ascending  to  heaven  for 
Divine  interposition,  and  the  Lord  in  a  mysterious  way 
has  granted  us  deliverance.  Through  the  faithfulness 
and  vigilance  of  our  fellow-citizens  (under  God),  the 
town  of  Manchester  is  delivered  from  the  public  censure 
of  blood-guiltiness,  which  olhervv'ise  would  have  cleaved 
to  them  to  the  latest  posterity.  All  who  read  and  hear 
this  mysterious  event,  even  generations  yet  to  come, 
will  be  constrained  to  exclaim,  "  Verily  there  is  a  God, 
whose  judgments  are  unsearchable,  and  his  ways  past 
finding  out." 

I  can  scarcely  persuade  myself  to  quit  the  subject, 
although  it  will  be  a  kind  of  repetition,  without  advert- 
ing to  that  ecstasy  and  delight  with  which  we  beheld 
the  devoted  man  quit  his  direful  abode.  He  was  wait- 
ing between  hope  and  fear,  until  the  glad  tidings  were 
proclaimed,  the  prison  door  opencJ,  the  chains  miriv- 
eted,  and  he  welcomed  to  the  light.  May  it  not  reprove 
such  who  are  under  the  sentence  of  God's  law ;  pris- 
oners of  hope,  and  will  not  come  out.  Oh  !  that  I  could 
with  success  proclaim  in  your  ears  this  day  the  expos- 
tulatory  declaration  of  the  great  deliverer,  Isa.  Ixi. 
"  The  spirit  of  the  Lord  God  is  upon  me ;  because  the 
Lord  hath  anointed  me  to  preach  good  tidings  unto  the 
meek  :  he  hath  sent  me  to  bind  up  the  broken  hearted ; 
to  proclaim  liberty  to  the  captives,  and  the  opening  of  the 
prison  to  them  that  are  bound."  Let  me  say  to  the  pris- 
oners, "  Go  forth  !"  To  you  that  are  in  darkness,  "  Show 
yourselves."  The  door  is  thrown  wide  open — Jesus  is 
ready  to  break  your  bonds  asunder.  Angels  innte — 
yea,  all  Heaven  stand  ready  to  shout  yoiu:  deUverance 
through  the  streets  of  New-Jerusalem.  The  nature  of 
our  inability  can  be  inferred  by  seeing  the  prisoner 
escape  when  the  door  is  unlocked,  that  it  is  of  the  moral 
kind,  being  bound  only  with  the  cords  of  our  sins,  un- 
willing to  depart.  We  are  not  convened  this  day  to 
witness  the  awful  death  of  a  fellow-mortal,  suspended 
between  the  heavens  and  the  earth — nor  to  hear  the 


248 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


bitter  sighs,  or  behold  the  distorted  visage  of  a  dying 
malefactor;  but  to  hear  the  jubilee  trumpet  proclaim- 
ing salvation.  Turn  ye  to  the  stronghold,  ye  prison- 
ers of  hope.  May  the  arm  of  the  Lord  be  revealed. — 
Amen. 


STATE  OF  VERMONT. 
Supreme  Court,  adjourned  term,  November,  1819. 

Present  —  Hon.  Dudley  Chase,  Chief  Justice; 
Hon.  Joel  Doolittle,  Assistant  Judge. 

A  bill  of  endictment  for  murder  was  found  by  a  grand 
jury,  at  the  September  term  of  the  Supreme  Court, 
against  Stephen  Boorn  and  Jesse  Boorn,  for  the  murder 
of  Russell  Colvin ;  but,  as  the  court  did  not  consist  of 
the  requisite  number  of  judges,  the  trial  was  adjourned. 

The  endictment  was  in  the  usual  form,  charging  the 
prisoners  as  "  being  moved  and  seduced  by  the  instiga- 
tion of  the  devil ;"  and  that  they  "  feloniously,  wilfully, 
and  of  their  malice  aforethought,  did  kill  and  murder" 
Russell  Colvin,  upon  the  lOlh'day  of  May,  A.  D.  1812. 

The  state's  attorney  appeared  in  support  of  the  pros- 
ecution. 

Messrs.  Skinner,  Wellman,  and  Sargeant  as  counsel 
for  the  prisoners. 

Before  the  introduction  of  any  testimony,  Mr.  Skin- 
ner made  a  motion,  tliat  as  the  prisoners  had  pleaded 
severally  "  Not  guilty,"  they  might  be  allowed  separate 
trials. 

The  court  ruled  that  Stephen  and  Jesse  Boorn  should 
be  jointly  tried  for  the  murder  of  Russell  Colvin. 

About  fifty  witnesses  were  successively  examined ; 
but,  as  they  were  only  corroborative  of  each  other,  all 
tending  to  prove  the  leading  facts  in  the  case,  and  too 
voluminous  for  this  brief  sketch,  none  but  the  principal 
testimony  will  here  be  introduced. 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


249 


EVIDENCE  ON  THE  PART  OF  THE  STATE. 

Thomas  Johnson  sworn. — I  was  a  neighbour  to  the 
Booms  and  Colvin.    In  tiie  early  part  of  the  month  of 
May,  seven  years  ago  last  spring,  I  saw  one  morning 
Stephen  Boorn,  Jesse  Boom,  Russell  Colvm,  and  his 
son,  Lewis  Colvin,  picking  up  stones.    They  appeared 
I    lo  be  in  a  quarrel.    I  had  a  full  view  of  them,  although 
I   they  could  not  see  me.    I  have  never  seen  Russell 
i    Colvin  since.    Stephen  said  he  was  not  in  the  field 
picking  stones  at  the  time  Russell  went  off,  but  that  he 
1   went  off  at  that  time.    Jesse,  while  in  imprisonment, 
told  me  that  he  was  assisting  in  shoeing  a  horse  when 
I   Russell  went  off.    Stephen  said  the  woodchuck  they 
I   liad  for  dinner  the  day  Russell  went  off,  was  killed  by 
him  when  mending  fence  for  a  Mr.  Hammond.  Hav- 
ing purchased  the  land  where  this  quarrel  look  place, 
tke  children  found  and  brouglit  home  an  old,  mouldy, 
rotten  hat;  I  knew  it  to  be  the  hat  of  Russell  Colvin. 
In  the  cellar-hole  stood  a  thrifty  apple-tree,  about  three 
feet  high,  which  was  taken  aw  ay  the  season  after  I  no- 
ticed it. 

Letvis  Colvin  (son  of  Russell  Colvin)  sworn. — He 
said  that  at  the  time  Russell  went  off,  he  was  picking 
stones  with  him  and  Stephen  and  Jesse  Boo;-n  ;  that  a 
quarrel  arose  between  Stephen  and  Russell ;  that  Rus- 
sel  struck  Stephen  first;  that  Stephen  knocked  Rus- 
sell down  with  a  club,  and  that  he  (the  witness)  ran 
away,  and  saw  no  blood ;  that  Stephen  told  him  not  to 
tell  that  he  struck  Russell ;  that  he  has  never  seen  Rus- 
sell since. 

[It  appeared  from  the  testimony  of  many  witnesses 
that  a  jack-knife  and  a  button  were  found  in  the  old 
cellar-hole,  which  were  recognised  as  having  once  be- 
longed to  Russell  Colvin ;  that  he  had  occasionally  ab- 
sented himself  from  his  family,  and  was  at  times  in  a 
state  of  mental  derangement ;  that  bones  had  been 
found,  which  by  some  were  supposed  to  be  human 
bones,  but  which  appeared,  from  the  most  conclusive 
evidence,  not  to  be  human  bones.    From  a  large  mass 


250 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


of  evidence,  that  which  relates  to  the  accidental  obser- 
vations of  the  Boorns  before  their  arrest  and  imprison- 
ment, and  their  confessions  when  chained  in  a  dungeon, 
are  deemed  altogether  the  most  important.] 

Truman  Hill  sworn. — He  stated  that  he  had  the 
keys  of  the  prison  in  Avhich  the  Booms  were  impris- 
oned ;  that  he  exhorted  Jesse  to  tell  the  truth,  and  that 
if  he  told  a  falsehood  it  would  increase  his  trouble ; 
that  he  confessed  that  he  was  afraid  that  Stephen  had 
murdered  Colvin,  and  that  he  beheved  he  knew  very- 
near  where  the  body  was  buried ;  that  when  the  knife 
and  the  hat  of  Colvin  were  shown  him,  he  Avas  much 
agitated.  He  said  he  urged  Jesse  to  confess  nothing 
but  the  truth. 

Daniel  D.  Baldioin,  and  Mrs.  Baldwin,  to  the  same 
effect,  said  that  about  three  years  since  Stephen  told 
them  that  Colvin  went  off  in  a  strange  manner  into 
the  woods  at  the  lime  he,  Jesse  Colvin,  and  Lewis, 
were  picking  stones — that  Lewis  had  gone  for  drink, 
and  when  he  asked  them  where  Colvin  was  gone,  one 
answered.  Gone  to  hell;  the  other,  that  they  had  put 
him  where  potatoes  would  not  freeze. 

[Numerous  witnesses  testified  to  the  contradictory 
declarations  of  the  Boorns  in  regard  to  the  disappear- 
ance or  death  of  Colvin ;  but  the  testimony  of  Silas 
Merrill,  to  the  extraordinary  confession  of  Jesse  Boom, 
is  in  substance  inserted.] 

Silas  Merrill  sworn. — Testified  that  as  Jesse  was  re- 
turned to  prison  from  time  to  time  from  the  court  of 
inquiry,  that  he  had  been  urged  to  confess  ;  that  one 
night  in  the  prison  we  got  up,  and  Jesse  said  that  Ste- 
phen knocked  Colvin  down  twice,  broke  his  scull,  and 
the  blood  gushed  out;  that  his  father  came  up  three 
several  times,  and  asked  if  he  was  dead,  and  said  damn 
him ;  that  all  three  of  us  took  the  body  and  put  it  into 
the  old  cellar,  where  father  cut  his  throat;  that  he 
knew  the  jack-knife  to  be  Colvin's  ;  that  Stephen  wore 
Colvin's  shoes  ;  that  about  a  year  and  a  half  after  they 
took  up  the  bones,  put  them  under  a  barn  that  was 
burnt,  then  pounded  them  up  and  flung  them  into  the 
river ;  that  father  put  some  of  them  into  a  stump,  «Scc. 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES.  251 

[The  following  written  confession  of  Stephen  was  reject- 
ed by  the  court ;  but,  as  its  contents  were  alluded  to  by  oral 
testimony,  it  was  introduced  by  the  prisoners'  counsel.] 

"May  the  lOtli,  1812,  I,  about  9  or  10  o'clock,  went 
down  to  David  Glazier's  bridge,  and  fished,  down  be- 
low uncle  Nathaniel  Boom's  ;  and  then  went  up  across 
their  farms,  where  Russell  and  Lewis  was,  being  the 
nighest  wav,  and  sat  down  and  began  to  talk,  and  Rus- 
sell told  me  how  many  dollars  benefit  he  had  been  to 
father,  and  1  lold  him  he  was  a  damned  fool ;  and  he 
was  mad,  and  jumped  up,  and  we  sat  close  together, 
and  I  told  him  to  set  down,  you  little  tory ;  and  there 
was  a  piece  of  a  beech  limb  about  two  feet  long,  and 
he  catched  it  up  and  struck  at  my  head  as  I  sal  down ; 
and  I  jumped  up,  and  it  struck  me  on  one  shoulder ; 
and  I  catched  it  out  of  his  hand,  and  struck  him  a 
back-handed  blow,  I  being  on  the  north  side  of  him  ; 
and  there  was  a  knot  on  it  about  one  inch  long.  As  I 
struck  him,  I  did  think  I  hit  him  on  his  back  ;  and  he 
stooped  down — and  that  knot  was  broken  off  sharp — 
and  it  hit  him  on  the  back  of  the  neck,  close  in  his 
hair — and  it  went  in  about  a  half  of  an  inch  on  that 
great  cord — and  he  fell  down,  and  then  I  told  the  boy 
to  go  down,  and  come  up  with  his  uncle  John — and  he 
asked  me  if  I  had  killed  Russell,  and  I  told  'liim  no, 
bill  he  must  not  tell  that  we  struck  one  another.  And 
I  told  him,  when  he  got  awav  down,  Russell  was  gone 
away — and  I  went  back,  and  he  was  dead — and  then 
I  w  ent  and  took  him  and  put  him  in  the  corner  of  the 
fence  by  the  cellar-hole,  and  put  briers  over  him — and 
went  home,  and  went  down  to  the  barn,  and  got  some 
boards — and,  when  it  was  dark,  I  went  down,  and  took 
i  a  hoe  and  boards,  and  dug  a  grave  as  well  as  I  could, 
and  took  out  of  his  pocket  a  little  Barlow  knife,  with 
about  a  half  of  a  blade,  and  cut  some  bashes,  and  put 
on  his  face  and  the  boards,  and  put  in  the  grave,  and 
I  put  him  in,  four  boards  on  the  bottom  and  on  the  top, 
-  and  t'other  two  on  the  sides,  and  then  covered  him  up ; 
i  and  went  home,  crying  along,  but  I  warnt  afraid  as  I 
;  know  on.    And  when  I  lived  to  William  Boom's  I 


252 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


planted  some  potatoes ;  and,  when  I  dug  them,  I  went 
there,  and  something  I  thought  had  been  tliere,  and  I 
took  up  his  bones  and  put  them  in  a  basket,  and  took 
the  boards  and  put  on  my  potato-hole,  and  then  it  was 
night,  took  the  basket  and  my  hoe,  and  went  down  and 
pulled  up  a  plank  in  the  stable  floor,  and  then  dug  a 
hole,  and  then  covered  him  up  ;  and  went  into  the  house 
and  told  them  I  had  done  with  the  basket ;  and  took 
back  the  shovel,  and  covered  up  my  potatoes  that  even- 
ing. And  then,  when  I  lived  under  the  west  mountain, 
Lewis  came  and  told  me  that  father's  barn  was  burnt 
up ;  the  next  day,  or  the  next  day  but  one,  I  came 
dovm,  and  went  to  the  barn,  and  there  was  a  few 
bones ;  and  when  they  was  to  dinner,  I  told  them  I 
did  not  want  my  dinner,  and  went  and  took  them,  and 
there  warnt  only  a  few  of  the  biggest  of  the  bones,  and 
throwed  them  in  the  river  above  Wyman's,  and  then 
went  back,  and  it  was  done  quick  too,  and  then  was 
hungry  by  that  time,  and  then  went  home,  and  the  next 
Sunday  I  came  down  after  money  to  pay  the  boot  that 
I  gave  to  boot  between  oxens ;  and  went  out  tliere  and 
scraped  up  them  little  things  that  was  under  the  stump 
there,  and  told  them  I  was  going  to  fishing,  and  went, 
and  there  was  a  hole,  and  I  dropped  them  in,  and  kick- 
ed over  the  stulf,  and  that  is  the  first  anybody  knew 
it,  either  friends  or  foes,  even  my  wife.  All  these  I 
acknowledge  before  the  world. 

"  Stephen  Boorn." 

Manchester,  Aug.  27,  1819. 

Much  other  testimony  was  adduced,  but  cannot  be 
introduced  into  this,  which  is  again  pronounced  a  mere 
"  Sketch"  of  this  singular  prosecution. 

The  charge  of  the  court  to  the  jury  was  solemn, 
learned,  and  peculiarly  impressive. 

The  jury  returned  with  a  verdict  finding  both  of  the 
prisoners  guilty. 

They  were  sentenced  to  be  executed  upon  the  28th 
January,  1820. 


RET.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


253 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

REMOVAL  TO  GRANVILLE,  N.  Y. 

In  Februar}',  1822,  Mr.  Haynes  removed  to  Granville, 
New- York,  where  he  passed  the  last  eleven  years  of  his 
pilgrimage.  Towards  his  friends  at  Manchester,  he 
cherished  till  his  death  feelings  of  unfeigned  affection. 
He  had  found  in  them  a  generous  and  enlii|htencd  people, 
ever  ready  to  minister  to  the  wants  of  his  numerous  and 
dependant  family.  They  attended  upon  his  ministry 
with  devout  interest  and  with  evident  profit.  The 
church  in  Manchester  was  enlarged  under  his  faithful 
ministrations.  It  was  now  with  him  the  even-tide  of 
life.  It  could  not  be  said  of  him  as  is  recorded  of 
!Moses,  when  he  was  a  hundred  and  twenty  years  old ; 
"his  eye  was  not  dim,  nor  was  his  natural  force  abated." 
His  physical  and  intellectual  vivacity  had  perceptibly  de- 
clined ;  and  although  there  was  entire  harmony  between 
him  and  the  people  in  Manchester,  yet  it  was  natural 
for  such  a  village  to  desire  the  labours  of  one  who  could 
bring  into  action  the  ardour  and  vivacity  of  youth.  Ac- 
cordingly, the  church  and  people  in  Manchester  yielded 
to  the  wishes  of  the  Congregational  church  in  Granville, 
that  the  setting  sun  of  this  holy  and  remarkable  man 
should  be  witnessed  among  them.  On  taking  leave  of 
his  beloved  charge  at  Manchester,  he  could  adopt  the 
language  of  the  apostle  Paul  to  the  elders  of  the  church 
in  Ephesus,  though  he  would  be  the  last  to  class  him- 
self with  the  great  apostle  :  "  Remember  that  for  the 


254 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


space  of  three  years  I  ceased  not  to  warn  every  man, 
day  and  night,  with  tears." 

The  following  extracts  from  his  correspondence  will 
illustrate  this  part  of  his  life,  and  will  show  him  to  have 
been  an  indefatigable  preacher  of  the  word  after  he  had 
completed  the  term  of  "threescore  years  and  ten." 

LETTER  I. 
TO  DEACON  ATKINS 

Granville,  October  ]9th,  1822. 

Dear  Sir, 

*  *  *  I  was  surprised  to  hear  of  the  death  of  your 
nephew  E.  B. — I  hope  he  had  forsaken  the  sin  that  had 
too  easily  beset  him.  You  also  tell  of  the  death  of  S. 
B. — Mr.  Eddy,  a  preacher,  visited  me  a  few  days  since, 
who  confirmed  the  melancholy  tidings. — Oh,  why  are  we 
kept  alive  while  so  many  younger  are  called  away  ! 
May  we  be  ready !  You  tell  of  good  news  from  Bland- 
ford,  Wcstfield,  6cc. — may  we  rejoice  !  Nothing  special 
of  a  religious  nature  in  these  parts. — Deaths  are  fre- 
quent. 1  am  just  applied  to  to  preach  a  funeral  ser- 
mon to-morrow,  at  4  o'clock,  at  Hebron,  four  miles  dis- 
tant. I  have  a  large  congregation  that  attend  my  min- 
istry ;  I  wish  I  was  able  to  entertain  them  better  ;  but 
God  has  deposited  the  treasure  in  poor  earthen  ves- 
sels, that  the  power  may  appear  to  be  of  him. 

I  thought  of  visiting  Granville  again  before  now,  but 
I  never  was  more  taken  up  in  ministerial  services. 
Make  my  regards  acceptable  to  Rev.  Mr.  Baker  and 
family.  I  am  glad  to  hear  that  he  is  engaged  in  the 
cause.  I  hoped  to  hear  good  news  from  G.  after  the 
visit  from  the  Hartford  brethren.  The  bearer  to  the  of- 
fice I  expect  every  moment.    I  must  close. 

Lemuel  Haynes. 

Remember  us  at  the  footstool  of  mercy. 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNK3. 


255 


LETTER  ir. 
TO  THE  SAME. 

Granville,  N.  York,  Oct.  21st,  1823. 

Dear  Sir, 

*  *  *  I  intended  to  have  visited  you  this  fall,  but 
by  the  multiplicity  of  business  I  am  prevented.  Should 

the  Lord  keep  me  alive,  I  hope  again  to  visit  G  . 

But  I  ought  to  say,  "  The  will  of  the  Lord  be  done." 

We  have  a  time  of  refreshing  among  us.  Many 
srein  to  be  inquiring,  "  What  shall  we  do  to  be  saved  ?" 
(UhI  has  visited  mv  family  in  a  remarkable  manner. 
^^'e  hope  the  greater  part  of  them  have  become  new 
creatures  in  Ciu-ist  Jesus.  May  we  give  God  all  the 
glory. 

\Ve  have  a  circular  meeting  appointed  among  us  this 
week.  A  number  of  ministers  are  expected.  I  hope 
the  Lord  will  bless  their  endeavours.  My  days  are  cer- 
tainly nearly  finished.  I  lament  my  unfaithfulness.  I 
am  enabled,  commonly,  to  preach  three  limes  on  the 
Sabbath — besides,  we  have  conferences  five  times  a 
week. 

Remember  us  at  the  throne  of  grace.  Tke  bearer 
waits.  Faithfully  yours. 

LETTER  lit. 
TO  THE  SAME. 

Granville,  15th  July,  1824. 

Dear  and  affectionate  Friend, 
If  you  are  still  in  the  land  of  the  living,  I  think  I  can 
tell  you  what  at  times  passes  through  your  mind.  It 
is  this :  Why  has  my  old  friend  Mr.  Haynes  ceased 
to  write  to  me  ?  Is  he  dead  ?  Or  has  he  forgotten  me  ? 
This  may  inform  you  that  neither  of  these  is  the  case. 
I  feel  in  a  degree  to  blame.  The  apologies  that  T  might 
make,  perhaps,  would  not  excuse  me.  Should  my  life 
and  yours  be  spared,  I  hope  to  do  better.  We  are  all, 
through  the  goodness  of  God,  in  the  land  of  the  living. 


256 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


My  health  is  good,  considering  my  age.  Have  strength 
to  preach  twice  or  three  times  on  the  Sabbath.  Tis 
of  the  Lord's  mercy  I  am  not  consumed.  There  seem 
to  be  some  rcfresliings  of  a  spiritual  nature  among  us. 
At  Pawlet,  the  town  adjoining,  the  work  is  considera- 
ble, Bible  societies  flourish  among  us.  I  attended  a 
meeting  of  the  society  of  this  county  la^t  week.  It 
was  very  interesting.  AH  party  spirit  was  excluded. 
Baptists,  Presbyterians,  Seccders,  &c.,  were  united. 
All  was  harmonious.    *    •  * 

*    *    The  Lord  be  with  us  in  life,  comfort  vs 

IN  DEATH,  AND  MAY  WE  MEET  IN  THE  HEAVENLY 
WOULD,  AND  CELEBRATE   THE  PRAISES  OF  GoD  AMONG 

THE  BLESSED.  Sincerely  yours, 

Lemuel  Haynes. 

Here  closes  the  correspondence  which  he  had  main- 
tained with  Deacon  Elihu  Atkins,  of  Granville,  for  more 
than  thirty  years.  There  had  been  a  cherished  inti- 
macy between  them  from  early  life.  Mr.  Haynes  had 
been  of  special,  if  not  of  saving  benefit  to  him,  by  his 
convincing  instructions,  so  that  he  might  perhaps  have 
addressed  the  deacon  in  the  language  of  "  Paul  the 
aged"  to  Philemon — "  I  do  not  say  to  thee  how  that 
thou  owest  thine  own  self  unto  me."  If  he  had  known 
by  the  gift  of  prophecy  that  the  preceding  letter  was  to 
be  the  last  in  the  series  scattered  through  one  third  of 
a  century,  what  could  have  been  more  appropriate  than 
the  closing  sentence  ? 

LETTER  IV. 

letter  to  his  daughter. 

Electa, 

Yours  has  come  to  hand.  We  are  glad  to  hear  from 
you.  Wish  you  could  have  visited  us  before  your 
school  closes ;  but  you  think  you  cannot.    Hope  your 


RET.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


257 


headache  is  better.  I  will  (God  directing)  endeavour 
to  attend  a  meeting  with  you  the  day  your  school  ends. 
You  may  give  notice  accordingly ;  if  any  thing  is  like 
to  prevent,  I  will  try  to  send  you  word.  I  am  glad  that 
vou  strive  against  sin.  I  wish  we  may  all  do  this  more 
and  more.  Lois  has  been  worse.  We  feared  she  was 
near  her  end  a  few  days  since  ;  is  now  better.  *  *  • 
I  propose  to  preach  this  afternoon  from  Job  xiv.,  10  : 
"  But  man  dieth,"  «&c. 
Watch  and  pray. 

It  is  worthy  of  special  notice,  that  wherever  Mr. 
Haynes  laboured  for  a  considerable  time,  the  reviving 
and  sanctifying  influences  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  to  a 
greater  or  less  extent,  seemed  to  accompany  and  bless 
his  ministrations.  While  connected  with  the  church  in 
Granville,  New-York,  though  experiencing  the  gradual 
but  perceptible  decline  of  activity  and  strength,  and  the 
infirmities  of  age  were  thickening  upon  him,  yet  were 
"his  last  days"  in  some  respects  his  "  best  days."  From 
year  to  year  he  occasionally  met  with  the  anxious  in- 
quirer after  salvation.  In  the  year  1831,  distinguished 
through  the  country  for  the  outpourmg  of  the  Holy 
Spirit,  Mr.  Haynes  enjoyed  the  privilege  of  a  very  pre- 
cious spiritual  harvest.  During  this  season  of  God's 
visitation,  his  labours  were  abundant.  He  was  prompt 
at  the  evening  lecture,  and  at  the  sunrise  prayer-meet- 
ing. Now,  in  the  seventy-eighth  year  of  his  age,  you 
might  have  seen  him  faithfully  attending  the  prayer- 
meeting  with  his  Christian  friends,  and  making  it  a 
point  to  be  present  as  early  as  the  rising  of  the  sun. 
This  was  a  season  of  great  joy  to  his  own  soul,  and  he 
was  rapidly  ripening,  by  progressive  sanctification,  to 
join  with  holy  beings  in  another  world.  ^ 
-  During  his  ministry  of  about  eleven  years  in  Gran- 
Y  2 


658 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


ville,  nearly  eighty,  by  relation  of  their  experience  and 
by  a  correspondent  life,  gave  evidence  of  their  piety, 
and  were  received  into  the  church  ;  about  fifty  of  whom 
were  the  hopeful  subjects  of  renewing  grace  in  this  sea- 
son of  revival. 

In  this  period  he  preached  about  one  hundred  and 
twenty  funeral  sermons  in  Granville,  and  many  in  the 
adjoining  towns.  His  attendance  and  sympathies  on 
such  occasions  were  never  withheld  when  requested, 
unless  in  consequence  of  sickness  or  previous  appoint- 
ments. In  one  instance  he  preached  two  funeral  ser- 
mons in  one  day,  in  addition  to  the  fatigue  of  riding  six 
or  eight  miles,  and  this  at  the  age  of  nearly  eighty 
years.  The  latter  was  at  the  burial  of  a  youth  of  six- 
teen years,  when  he  addressed  a  deeply-affected  assem- 
bly from  Zech.  ii.,  4  :  "  Run,  speak  to  that  young  man." 

While  administering  to  hundreds  and  thousands  un- 
der the  bereaving  strokes  of  the  Almighty,  his  own 
family  were  mercifully  spared  till  the  youngest  of  ten 
children  had  reached  the  age  of  adult  years.  There 
was,  however,  a  cup  of  affliction  mingled,  which  he  must 
ere  long  drink.  His  second  daughter  had  been  afflicted 
with  severe  and  wasting  disease,  which  neither  care, 
nor  medicine  could  relieve.  For  months  all  hopes  of 
her  recovery  had  been  relinquished,  and  she  was  per- 
ceptibly drawing  near  the  close  of  life.  But  great 
mercy  was  mingled  with  the  affliction.  By  her  marked 
resignation  and  patience,  she  was  giving  evidence  of 
being  one  of  God's  adopted  children.  One  morning  in 
particular,  having  called  her  father  into  her  chamber, 
she  spoke  of  wonderful  joy  and  light  which  had  broken 
in  upon,  her  mind.  The  Saviour  appeared  exceedingly 
precious  and  altogether  lovely.    It  was  a  memorable 


RBV.  LEMUEL  HATNES. 


259 


season,  aiid  filled  the  heart  of  her  revered  father  with 
great  consolation. 

On  the  day  preceding  her  death,  Mr.  Haynes  went 
cut  to  attend  a  funeral,  and  requested  prayers  in  her 
behalf.  She  was  now  sinking  rapidly.  During  his 
absence  she  became  speechless,  and  seemed  to  be  dy- 
ing. On  his  return,  as  he  approached  her  bed,  she 
knew  him,  and  revived.  He  then  informed  her  that 
prayers  had  been  offered  for  her  at  the  meeting,  at 
which  she  seemed  well  pleased.  He  discoursed  long 
and  faithfully  with  her,  imparting  consolation,  praying 
her  to  put  her  whole  trust  in  the  merits  of  the  Saviour, 
and  receiving  from  her  dying  lips  assurance  that  Christ 
was  her  "  all."  The  morning  following  she  died,  leav- 
ing the  consolation  to  her  friends  that  she  had  "  fallen 
asleep  in  Jesus."  The  next  day  being  the  Sabbath, 
like  David  in  his  affliction,  "  he  came  into  the  house  of 
tlie  Lord  and  worshipped,"  unattended  by  his  family. 
^^'ith  composed  and  affecting  solemnity  he  took  the 
lead  in  the  morning  service,  and  preached  from  1  Pet. 
iv.,  17  :  "  For  the  time  is  come  that  judgment  must 
begin  at  the  house  of  God ;  and  if  it  first  begin  at  us, 
what  shall  the  end  be  of  them  that  obey  not  the  gospel 
of  God  ?"  How  perfectly  appropriate  was  his  te.\t  to 
the  occasion. 

Funeral  service  in  the  afternoon  was  performed  by 
Rev.  John  Whiton,  of  Granville,  Middle  Parish.  The 
preacher,  in  consequence  of  ministering  to  his  own  con- 
gregation, arrived  at  a  late  hour.  After  the  assembly 
had  been  some  time  in  waiting,  Mr.  Haynes  arose,  and 
gave  out  the  following  appropriate  hymn  from  Watts  : — 


860 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


"  Not  from  the  dust  affliction  grows, 
Nor  troubles  rise  by  chance, 
Yet  we  are  born  to  cares  and  woes, 
'  A  sad  inheritance. 

"  As  sparks  break  out  from  burning  coals, 
And  still  are  upward  borne, 
So  grief  is  rooted  in  our  souls, 
And  naan  grows  up  to  mourn. 

"  Yet  with  my  God  I  leave  my  cause. 
And  trust  his  (iromised  grace  ; 
He  rules  me  by  his  well-known  laws 
Of  love  and  righteousness. 

"  Not  all  the  pains  that  e'er  I  bore 
Shall  spoil  my  future  peace, 
For  death  and  hell  can  do  no  more 
Than  what  my  Father  please." 

After  listening  to  tlie  sermon  delivered  on  this  occa- 
sion, he  arose  and  addressed  the  youth  with  great  ef- 
fect. Throughout  the  painful  trial,  he  manifested  great 
calmness  and  Christian  resignation.  It  proved  a  sanc- 
tified affliction.  He  often  lamented  that  he  had  felt  no 
more  anxiety  for  the  welfare  of  her  soul.  He  frequently 
said,  "  The  meeting  of  parents  and  children  at  the 
judgment  is  a  truly  alfecting  thought,  which,  since  the 
decease  o(  my  man  child,  I  most  sensibly  realize." 

The  daughter  was  thus  taken  away,  and  called  home 
as  a  pioneer  to  that  world  whither  her  father  was  soon 
to  follow.  And  thus  was  the  Lord  preparing  his  faith- 
ful servant  to  glorify  him  by  his  dying  behaviour. 
Scarcely  would  he  allude  to  his  daughter's  decease 
without  exclaiming — "  Oh,  that  I  had  been  more  faith- 
ful !" 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


261 


CHAPTER  XVII. 

HIS  LAST  VISITS  ABROAD. 

In  1828,  his  intimate  friend  and  former  parishioner, 
Joseph  Burr,  Esq.,  of  Manchester,  was  taken  ill,  and 
died  in  the  month  of  April.  Mr.  Burr,  the  distinguished 
patron  of  religion  and  science,  was  early  an  orphan,  and 
received  a  mercantile  education  from  his  brother  in  New 
York.  He  commenced  business  in  Manchester,  Ver- 
mont ;  and,  by  his  rigid  uprightness,  soon  acquired  the 
confidence  of  the  community.  In  early  life,  like  many 
of  the  enterprising  men  in  Vermont  at  that  time,  he 
was  disposed  to  cavil  at  the  doctrines  of  grace,  and 
ppenly  professed  to  disbelieve  that  God,  in  his  direction 
of  the  universe,  noted  the  minute  and  daily  transactions 
of  men.  In  the  revivals  with  which  Manchester  was 
blessed,  his  views  were  essentially  changed  :  he  became 
a  firm  believer  in  the  doctrines  of  revelation,  and  a  liber- 
al patron  of  the  objects  of  charity  and  piety.  Like  the 
aloe,  which  blooms  but  once  in  a  century,  such  men  are 
rarely  found.  Mr.  Burr,  on  perceiving  that  his  dissolu* 
lion  was  drawing  near,  sent  for  his  former  beloved  pas- 
toif  to  visit  him  and  minister  to  him  in  the  last  extrem- 
ity: Mr.  Haynes  spent  several  days  with  him.  He 
was  calm  in  view  of  eternity.  In  some  of  his  last  re- 
marks he  said — "  I  feel  that  I  have  brought  myself  and 
all  that  I  have  to  the  feet  of  Jesus."  Mr.  Burr  had  ex 
pressed  his  determination  to  bequeath  to  several  literary 
and  religious  institutions  the  greater  part  of  his  estate. 


262 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


He  was  apparently  near  his  end,  and  nolhiug  had  been 
done  respecting  the  distribution  of  his  possessions. 
Judge  Si;inner,  who  had  been  expected  to  transact  the 
business,  was  absent,  and  the  time  of  his  return  was  un- 
certain. Mr.  Haynes,  perceiving  the  pecuharly  critical 
state  of  this  important  business,  was  at  first  exceeding- 
ly moved,  and  appeared  very  anxious  to  do  something 
which  would  secure  to  the  cause  of  learning  and  reli- 
gion the  ample  provisions  which  Mr.  Burr  had  intended 
to  make,  and  which  were  every  moment  liable  to  be 
lost  by  his  death.  But  soon  his  composure  returned, 
and  sitting  quietly  down,  he  said,  "  Ah  !  if  the  Lord 
have  need  of  this  money,  he  will  have  it." — He  has  it. 

In  1832  he  visited  New-York  to  attend  the  anniversa- 
ries. In  a  letter  to  a  friend,  he  says  : — "  In  my  visit  to 
New-York  I  was  greatly  entertained.  I  did  not  expect 
to  see  so  much  piety  among  the  people.  I  was  cordial- 
ly received  by  the  ministers.  I  preached  at  New-York, 
Albany,  and  Troy,  and  received  ample  pecuniary  com- 
pensation. I  was  much  pleased  with  the  company  of 
Dr.  Sprague,  of  Albany.  He  brought  the  handwriting 
of  many  of  the  old  ministers  that  have  been  in  their 
graves  for  years.  Those  he  obtained  in  England,  such 
as  the  handwriting  of  Dr.  Doddridge,  Dr.  Guise,  Mr. 
Henry,  John  Newton,  and  many  others.  I  remarked 
to  the  doctor,  '  If  it  afforded  so  much  satisfaction  only 
to  see  their  manuscripts,  what  joy  would  it  be  should 
we  be  admitted  to  see  and  dwell  with  them  in  the  heav- 
enly world.'  Should  I  live  until  next  November,  it  will 
be  half  a  century  since  I  commenced  preaching  the  gos- 
pel. I  have  abundant  reason  to  bless  God  for  his  good- 
ness in  maintaining  and  supporting  me  so  long,  and  in 
his  so  abundantly  opening  a  door  for  improving  the 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


263 


small  talent  he  has  given  me.  But,  '  Oh,  my  leanness  ! 
my  leanness  !'  As  I  draw  near  the  eternal  world,  I 
uut^l  I  feel  more  and  more  that,  should  I  ever  be  saved, 
it  will  be  through  astonishing  gi-ace.  I  am  about  closing 
my  stated  ministry  among  this  people.  I  preach  to 
them  occasionally.  My  strength  holds  out  remarkably. 
I  most  earnestly  desire  to  visit  Granville,  if  it  might  be 
the  will  of  God,  and  intend  to  this  spring  or  summer, 
Providence  concurring.  Give  my  love  to  brother  Baker, 
— tell  him  it  is  through  great  tribulation  that  good  min- 
isters, in  a  special  manner,  enter  into  the  kingdom  of 
heaven.  Sincerely  yours." 

In  1833,  the  pulpit  in  Granville,  Massachusetts,  being 
vacant  by  the  declining  health  of  their  beloved  pastor, 
Rev.  Joel  Baker,  application  was  made  to  Mr.  Haynes 
to  preach,  there  for  a  short  season.  As  he  had  been 
contemplating  a  visit  to  the  place,  this  request  wa§  sea- 
sonable and  gratifying.  His  visits,  though  "few  and 
far  between,"  had  been  ever  greeted  by  his  friends  with 
entliusiastic  delight.  No  personage,  of  whatever  rank 
or  character,  could  receive  a  more  cordial  welcome. 
Upon  his  arrival  in  Granville  and  appearing  in  the  pul- 
pit on  the  Sabbath,  the  people,  without  regard  to  sect 
or  denomination,  crowded  the  house  of  God.  His  own 
feelings  on  this  occasion  may  be  learned  from  the  fol- 
lowing brief  extract  of  a  letter  to  his  family. 

*  •  •  "  We  arrived  safely  at  Granville  on  Satur- 
day, four  days  after  leaving  home.  Lodged  at  Man- 
chester the  first  night ;  at  Williamstown  the  second ; 
nl  the  Reverend  Ur.  Shepard's,  in  Lenox,  the  third. 
Preached  at  Granville  on  the  Sabbath,  and  it  was  an  af- 
fecting thought  to  stand  in  the  desk  where  I  used  to 
preach  more  than  forty  years  ago.  The  people  are  re- 
markably kind." 


264 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


The  preacher,  now  nearly  eighty  years  of  age,  re- 
tained something  of  the  intellectual  vigour  of  better 
days.  The  descendants  of  his  early  friends  regarded 
him  as  a  relic,  handed  down  from  a  generation  which 
had  gone  to  eternity.  They  hung  upon  his  lips  with 
unwonted  pleasure.  Now  he  might  have  adopted  the 
remarkable  words  of  the  apostle  (though  his  humble 
spirit  would  blush  at  the  suggestion) ;  "  My  temptation, 
■which  was  in  my  flesh,  they  despised  not  nor  rejected ; 
but  received  me  as  an  angel  of  God,  even  as  Jesus 
Christ." 

This  \yas  his  last  visit  to  the  place  of  his  earliest  rec- 
ollections, and  a  premonition  of  this  was  evidently  on 
his  mind.  *'  I  was  led  to  notice,"  says  his  friend  who 
entertained  him,  "  that  his  mind  was  most  constantly  on 
the  subject  of  death  and  the  day  of  judgment.  Not  one 
hour  passed  without  some  express  allusions  to  these 
events." 

The  preaching  of  Mr.  Haynes  was  always  distin- 
guished for  its  appropriateness  to  the  occasion.  On 
meeting  the  congregation  in  Granville,  whose  fathers, 
his  coevals,  were  nearly  all  of  them  in  the  habitations 
of  the  dead,  he  arose  and  addressed  them  from  the  fol- 
lowing most  appropriate  passage.  "  Having  therefore 
obtained  help  of  God,  I  continue  unto  this  day,"  Acts 
xxvi.,  22. 

BRIEF  SKETCH  OF  THE  SERMON. 

"  All  creatures  are  efTects  which  declare  a  first  cause. 
All  finite  existence,  whether  natural  or  moral,  is  the  pro- 
duct of  omnipotent  power.  The  great  wheels  of  Di- 
vine providence  are  turned  round  by  the  hand  of  God. 
The  motions  of  ovir  souls  and  bodies  are  alike  directed 
by  the  agency  of  him  who  rolls  the  stars  along.  For 
'tis  a  sentiment  acknowledged  even  by  heathen, — by 


HEV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


269 


Homer,  Hesiod,  and  especially  by  Aratus,  that  '  we  are 
the  offspring  of  God.'*  With  how  much  propriety, 
therefore,  might  St.  Paul  adopt  the  sentiment  in  the 
text ! 

"  The  points  before  us  are  these  : — 

"  I.  Our  continuance  in  this  world  is  wholly  owing 
to  the  help  of  God. 

"  1.  Keeping  people  alive  is  ascribed  to  God.  Deut. 
xx.vii.,  39  :  '  I  kill,  and  I  make  alive.'  Psal.  Ixviii.,  20  : 
'  Unto  God  the  Lord  belong  the  issues  from  death.' 

'■  2.  We  cannot  keep  ourselves  ahve  any  more  than 
we  can  begin  to  live. 

"  3.  Others  cannot — physicians  cannot — Asa's  could 
not. 

"  4.  None  of  the  springs  of  nature  commence  with- 
out God.  Every  pulse,  every  breath  the  effect  of  Di- 
vine agency. 

"  5.  God  cannot  communicate  independent  power  to 
men. 

"  6.  'Tis  not  owing  to  what  some  call  fortune,  luck, 
or  chance.  Such  things  have  no  power,  nor  even  ex- 
istence. 

"  7.  That  it  is  by  God's  help  w^e  continue  is  evident 
from  the  many  dangers  to  which  we  are  exposed. 

"  II.  We  ought  to  be  deeply  sensible  of  this. 

"  1.  This  is  an  important  trait  in  the  character  of 
God's  people, — Paul,  Jacob,  Caleb,  David. 

"  2.  'Tis  God's  due.  Not  to  acknowledge  it  is  rob- 
bing him. 

"  3.  Not  to  acknowledge  God  is  practical  atheism. 
"  4.  God  has  given  us  the  requisite  faculties — eyes, 
ears,  reason — and  is  calling  us  to  take  notice." 

IMPROVEMENT. 

"  1.  We  should  often  take  a  review  of  past  acts  of 
God's  goodness. 

"  2.  We  should  not  place  our  ultimate  dependance  on 
second  causes. 


•  "  r«  yif  Kai  yivoe  i«ntv.   Hemislic  or  half  verse." — Guiu. 

z 

\ 


266 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


"  3.  God  must  help  for  time  to  come,  or  we  must  die. 
'  Boast  not  of  to-morrow.^ 

"  4.  How  vile  to  take  that  help  which  God  is  giving 
us,  and  consume  it  on  our  lusts. 

"  5.  Wc  cannot  expect  God  to  help  us  much  longer. 

"  6.  Comfort  in  trials — God's  help  is  sufficient. 

"  7.  People  live  just  as  long  as  God  chooses — then 
die. 

"  8.  Goodness  of  God  that  has  helped  us  to  live  so 
long." 

The  several  heads  of  this  discourse  were  sustain- 
ed by  apt  illustrations,  and  affecting  allusions  to  past 
and  passing  events,  with  appropriateness  to  the  occa- 
sion, and  greatly  to  the  delight  and  satisfaction  of  the 
assembly.  This  was  the  morning  service.  In  the  af- 
ternoon an  agent  addressed  the  congregation  on  "  Home 
Missions."  Mr.  Haynes  listened  with  deep  interest  till 
the  preacher  had  finished  his  discourse.  He  then  arose, 
and  with  great  earnestness  commended  the  cause  of 
missions  to  the  congregation,  concluding  his  remarks 
with  an  amusing  and  characteristic  anecdote.  "  A  few 
days  ago,"  said  he,  "  I  was  expressing  my  astonish- 
ment at  the  progress  made  in  the  benevolent  efforts  of 
the  day,  and  the  amount  of  good  accomplished  by  the 
American  Bible,  Missionary,  Sabbath  School,  Tract, 
and  Temperance  Societies.  A  skeptic  who  was  pres- 
ent interrupted  me,  and  remarked,  with  some  earnest- 
ness, that  he  believed  the  devil  had  got  up  all  these  so- 
cieties. 'What  !'  said  I  to  him,  'What!  the  devil  in 
favour  of  the  Bible  ! — and  missions  ! — and  temperance  ? 
Has  the  devil  met  with  a  change  of  heart  ?  He  didn't 
use  to  favour  such  things,  and  I  am  sure  he  would  not 
now  if  he  had  not  met  with  a  change.  He  must  have 
been  very  lately  converted.' " 


RET.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


267 


The  short  lime  whicli  he  could  spend  there  was 
!  actively  employed  in  labours  of  love.  He  preach- 
ed almost  daily,  either  there  or  in  the  contiguous 
parishes.  He  spent  several  days  in  visiting  from 
house  to  house,  and  thus  renewed  the  recollections  of 
early  life.  This  was  a  service  mingled  with  many 
painful  emotions. 

'•  'Twas  sad  to  see  the  wonted  seat  of  friends 
Kemoved  by  death,  and  sad  to  visit  scenes 
When  old,  where,  in  the  smiling  morn  of  life. 
Lived  many  who  both  knew  and  loved  us  much  ; 
And  they  all  gone,  dead,  or  dispersed  abroad, 
And  stranger  faces  seen  among  the  hills." 

There  were  certain  places  which  he  could  not  visit 
w  ithout  awakening  peculiar  associations.  In  company 
with  N.  Cooley,  Esq.,  he  visited  the  old  mansion  where 
his  master  lived  and  died.  It  is  understood  that  it 
was  the  first  framed  house  erected  within  the  bounds 
of  the  parish.  Opposite  to  it  there  had  previously 
been  a  dwelling-house  adapted  to  the  condition  of  set- 
tlers in  the  forest ;  the  first  story  being  built  with 
stones,  as  a  defence  from  the  attacks  of  the  Indians, 
and  the  second  of  durable  logs.  Mr.  Haynes  said  to 
his  attendant,  "  It  was  the  intention  of  my  mis- 
tress AND  MYSELF  TO  RAISE  THE  HOUSE  ON  THE  PRIN- 
CIPLES   OF    TEMPERANCE,    WITHOUT    STRONG  DRINK." 

Pointing  to  a  huge  stone  in  the  chimney,  he  said,  "  I 
assisted  in  raising  that  stone,  and  in  placing  it  where  it 
now  lies."  He  adverted  to  the  broad,  antique  fireplace, 
where  he  plied  his  evening  studies  by  firelight.  He 
took  a  last  look  into  the  chamber  which  he  occupied  as 
his  study  after  he  commenced  preaching  the  gospel. 
He  walked  over  the  fields  which  he  had  cleared,  and 
ploughed,  and  reaped  for  many  successive  yeara. 


S68 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


The  next  object  of  affecting  interest  was  tlie  burj'ing- 
ground,  where 

"  The  rude  forefathers  of  the  hamlet  sleep." 

It  cannot  fail  to  attract  the  notice  of  the  traveller  by 
its  elevated  and  retired  location,  and  by  its  tombstones 
of  purest  white. 

*'  I  had  a  very  interesting  time  with  him,"  remarks 
his  attendant,  "  in  the  graveyard.  He  pointed  out  to 
me,  by  the  tombstones,  many  that  experienced  religion 
during  the  short  time  in  which  he  laboured  in  the  min- 
istry in  this  place.  He  also  pointed  out  many  of  the 
tombstones  on  which  I  could  read  the  epitaphs  of  his 
own  composition.  One  in  particular  attracted  my  at- 
tention; it  was  the  first  opened  grave  in  the  whole 
field.  A  child  three  years  old  is  the  tenant ;  and  the 
epitaph,  composed  by  Mr.  Haynes  in  his  youth,  is  as 
follows  : — 

'  I  was  the  first  came  here  to  lie  : 
Children  and  youth  prepare  to  die.'  " 

There  is  another  sacred  spot  of  ground — it  is  the  place 
of  the  apple-tree,  where,  in  early  life,  he  found  the  Saviour 
to  be  precious  to  his  soul.  Though  some  of  its  limbs 
are  decayed,  the  tree  itself  is  yet  alive,  after  enduring 
the  blasts  of  more  than  eighty  winters.  It  stands  be- 
hind a  gentle  elevation  of  ground,  and  near  it  a  granite 
rock  rises  a  little  above  the  surface.  Hither  he  often 
came  during  his  distressing  conviction  of  sin  ; — here  he 
found  relief  and  hope  in  Clirist ; — and  while  in  Gran- 
ville he  always  made  this  the  place  of  his  private  de- 
votion and  prayer.  It  was  like  Bethel,  where  Jacob 
lay  down  to  sleep,  and  dreamed,  "  And  behold,  a  ladder 
set  up  on  the  earth,  and  the  top  of  it  reached  to  heaven  : 
and  behold,  the  angels  of  God  ascending  and  descend- 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


269 


ing  on  it.  And  behold,  the  Lord  stood  above  it."  It  is 
impossible  to  describe  or  even  conceive  the  emotions 
which  he  felt  on  visiting  this  place.  After  lingering  a 
while,  he  kneeled  down  and  prayed.  As  he  was  reti- 
ring, he  said  to  his  attendant,  "  I  leave  this  tree  for  the 
last  time." 

The  next  day  was  the  Sabbath,  and  he  delivered  his 
last  sermon  from  the  well-chosen  words  of  the  apostle, 
2  Cor.  i.,  9 :  "  But  we  had  the  sentence  of  death  in 
ourselves,  that  we  should  not  trust  in  ourselves,  but  in 
God  which  raiseth  the  dead."  On  this  text  he  remark- 
ed :— 

"  Some  think  that  the  apostle  has  relation  to  his 
fighting  with  wild  beasts  at  Ephesus,  1  Cor.  xv.,  32. 
Others  suppose  that  he  refers  to  the  uproar  at  Lydia 
or  Asia  Minor ;  but  that  it  was  an  habitual  temper  of 
mind  for  the  apostle  to  feel  that  he  was  a  dying  man, 
is  evident  from  what  he  observes,  1  Cor.  xv.,  31  :  'I 
die  daily.'  Life  and  death  are  terms  of  the  most  sol- 
emn import.  Some  suppose  life  is  of  more  importance 
than  death,  as  it  is  that  which  can  render  death  a 
blessing  or  a  curse.  Suitable  reflection  on  death 
greatly  tends  to  our  right  improvement  of  life.  This 
is  the  sentiment  in  the  text ;  and  the  inspired  apostle 
speaks  of  it,  as  belonging  not  only  to  himself,  but  to 
others.    We  had  the  sentence  of  death  in  ourselves. 

"  That  we  have  all  reason  to  view  ourselves  in  this 
point  of  light,  with  the  advantages  arising  therefrom, 
is  the  order  proposed. 

"  1.  God  has  pronounced  the  sentence  of  death  on 
us,  and  why  should  not  we  on  ourselves  ?  Gen.  iii.,  19. 

"  2.  We  may  with  propriety  have  the  sentence  in 
ourselves  by  viewing  the  providences  of  God.  How 
many  are  dying  around  us  !  Is  there  any  thing  to 
secure  us  from  death  which  they  had  not  ?  Are  we 
Z  2 


270 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


young  ?  so  were  they.  Old,  middle  aged,  full  of  world- 
ly schemes  ? — was  not  this  the  case  with  them  ? 

"3.  Weak  state  of  our  bodies. 

"  4.  Pains  we  feel  from  day  to  day. 

"  5.  Many  instruments  stand  ready  to  destroy  us. 
In  the  case  of  Paul,  wild  beasts — wicked  men  and 
devils — perils  from  sea  and  land. 

"  '  We  stand  as  in  a  battle,  throngs  on  throngs 
Are  falling  round  us,  wounded  oft  ourselves.' 

"  6.  We  cannot  resist  or  ward  off  the  stroke,  1  Cor. 
iv.,  9  :  '  For  I  think  that  God  hath  set  forth  us  the 
apostles  last  as  it  were  appointed  unto  death.'  This 
is  thought  to  be  an  allusion  to  the  Roman  theatrical 
sports  ;  for,  from  a  passage  in  Seneca's  epistles,  quoted 
by  Dr.  Whitby,  it  appears,  that  in  the  morning  those 
prisoners  to  whom  they  gave  a  chance  of  escaping  with 
their  lives  fought  with  the  wild  beasts  armed ;  but,  in 
the  afternoon,  the  gladiators  fought  unarmed. 

"  7.  By  our  sins  we  expose  ourselves  to  the  sentence 
of  death.  Justice,  and  abused  patience,  and  mercy, 
cry,  '  Cut  them  down  !' 

"  8.  All  need  carry  the  sentence  of  death  in  them- 
selves. All  have  sinned — old  and  young — rich  and 
poor — saints  and  sinners. 

"  9.  At  all  times  and  on  all  occasions — at  home  or 
abroad — awake  or  asleep. 

"  '  Whate'er  we  do,  where'er  we  be, 
We're  travelling  to  the  grave.' 

"  Finally,  It  has  been  the  case  with  the  people  of 
God — pilgrims  and  strangers  on  the  earth.  Even  Jesus 
Christ,  though  innocent,  for  our  sake  carried  the  sen- 
tence of  death  in  himself." 

ADVANTAGES. 

"  1 .  'Tis  acting  rationally — correspondent  to  truth 
and  divine  exhibition. 

"  2.  To  have  the  sentence  of  death  in  ourselves  is 
complying  with  the  word  of  God.  Christ  said  repeat- 
edly, '  Watch.' 


Rev.  LEMUEL  HAYNE9. 


271 


"  3.  It  tends  to  wean  us  from  the  world.  Did  we 
hear  the  sentence  of  death  sounding  in  our  ears,  should 
we  be  elated  with  worldly  prospects  ? 

"4.  Having  the  sentence  of  death  in  ourselves  tends 
to  make  us  diligent  in  the  things  of  religion.  Keeping 
death  at  a  distance  is  the  fruitful  source  of  the  sin  of 
procrastination. 

"  5.  This  is  the  way  to  obtain  the  victory  over  death. 
The  reason  why  death  is  so  terrible  to  many  is,  that 
they  think  so  little  of  it,  and  are  deaf  to  the  sound  and 
sentence  of  it. 

'•  6.  Having  the  sentence  of  death  in  us  leads  to  the 
use  of  means  necessary  to  salvation.  We  see  men, 
when  death  in  their  apprehension  is  approaching,  wish- 
ing prayers  and  visits  from  ministers. 

"7.  It  supports  under  sufferings,  2  Cor.  iv.,  17. 

"  8.  It  will  influence  to  self-examination.  When  the 
midnight  cry  is  made,  it  is  time  to  see  whether  our 
lamps  are  trimmed  and  burning." 

IiMPROVEMENT. 

"  1.  We  see  that  there  is  evidently  a  controversy  oe- 
tween  God  and  mankind  in  general,  in  relation  to  the 
subject  that  has  been  discussed.  God  has  pronounced 
the  sentence  of  death  on  men,  but  they  practically  deny 
it,  and  pronounce  the  sentence  of  life. 

"  2.  There  is  the  same  propriety  in  treating  our  fel- 
low-creatures as  dying  men,  as  there  is  when  actually 
dying.    Some  that  are  now  well  may  die  before  them. 

"  3.  Thoughtlessness  about  death  is  a  source  of  great 
evil  to  men.  'Tis  so  in  respect  to  families — closets — 
house  of  God — visits — death-beds. 

"  4.  We  have  reason  to  fear  that  the  unconverted 
will  never  be  saved.  They  are  dying,  yet  neglect  sal- 
vation. 

"  5.  Sinners  are  in  a  dreadful  state.  Under  sentence 
of  death,  temporal,  spiritual,  and  eternal." 


272 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


This  brief  analysis  can  give  but  an  extremely  imper- 
fect impression  of  the  sermon.  The  train  of  thought 
here  presented  was  interspersed  with  timely  and  im- 
pressive remarks,  well  adapted  to  the  farewell  occasion. 

Mr.  Haynes  now  returned  to  his  family  and  flock,  to 
give  the  finishing  strokes  to  his  earthly  labours — to  bid 
farewell  to  the  world,  and  enter  into  his  rest. 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 

VIEWS  OF  HIS  CHARACTER  AS  A  MAN,  A  CHRISTIAN,  AND 
A  MINISTER  OF  THE  GOSPEL,  AND  ON  HIS  DEATH-BED. 

From  the  preceding  narrative  it  will  be  seen  that  Mr. 
Haynes  must  have  accomplished  a  great  amount  of 
good.  He  was  emphatically  a  self-taught  man ;  "  the 
founder  of  his  own  fortune."  And,  viewing  his  humble 
origin,  and  the  extremely  limited  means  of  his  early 
education,  he  cannot  fail  to  be  regarded  as  an  extraor- 
dinary man.  His  influence  over  minds  was  wonderful. 
He  was  also  a  child  of  grace,  and  no  one  could  more 
appropriately  adopt  the  expression  of  the  apostle  Paul, 
"  By  the  grace  of  God  I  am  what  I  am." 

Could  we  ascertain  what  were  the  constituent  ele- 
ments of  his  great  usefulness,  it  would  aid  others  in 
their  plans  of  doing  good.  They  may  be  summarily 
expressed  in  the  following  particulars  : — 

I.  PERSONAL  COMELINESS. 

Although  the  tincture  of  his  skin,  and  all  his  fea- 
tures bore  strong  indications  of  his  African  original, 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


273 


yet  in  his  early  life  there  was  a  peculiar  expression 
which  indicated  the  finest  qualities  of  mind.  Many, 
on  seeing  him  in  the  pulpit,  have  been  reminded  of 
the  inspired  expression,  "  I  am  black,  but  comely." 
In  his  case,  the  remarkable  assemblage  of  graces  which 
were  thrown  around  his  semi-African  complexion,  espe- 
cially his  eye,  could  not  fail  to  prepossess  the  stranger 
in  his  favour. 

II.  TENDERNESS   AND   SYMPATHY    WITH   OBJECTS  OF 
DISTRESS. 

No  man  had  a  more  feeling  heart,  or  was  more  sen- 
sibly affected  at  the  sight  of  human  suffering.  Speak- 
ing in  reference  to  his  daughter,  who  was  afflicted  with 
long-continued  and  painful  illness,  he  said,  "  I  shall 
spend  all  my  property,  if  necessary,  rather  than  she 
shall  suffer."  In  his  last  sickness,  after  being  confined 
almost  wholly  to  his  house,  a  young  woman  sickened 
and  died  in  the  neighbourhood.  Notwithstanding  his 
own  distressed  condition,  he  had  many  tender  anxieties 
for  her,  and  offered  prayer  daily  in  her  behalf.  Hear- 
ing that  her  symptoms  were  worse,  he  said,  "  I  must 
see  her  again  !"  With  great  difficulty  and  suffering  he 
was  carried  to  the  house,  that  he  might  administer 
comfort  to  a  dying  fellow-mortal. 

His  sensibility  knew  no  bounds.  He  would  never 
see  animals  put  to  death  if  he  could  avoid  it ;  much 
less  would  he  see  them  subjected  to  wanton  and  need- 
less torture.  On  seeing  a  lad  having  in  his  hand  a 
small  snake,  which  he  was  wantonly  torturing  to  death, 
and  was  sporting  with  the  writhings  of  the  harmless 
though  accursed  animal,  he  said  to  him,  "Why  do 
you  torture  and  kill  the  poor  striped  snake  ?  It  does  no 


274 


LIFE   AND  CHARACTER  OF 


harm."  Tlie  boy  very  sagely  replied,  "  It's  according 
to  Scripture,  sir;  the  Bible  says  we  must  bruise  the 
serpent's  head." — "That," said  Mr.  Haynes,  "means  the 
old  serpent.  You  may  bruise  his  head  as  much  as  you 
have  a  mind."  No  one  could  more  appropriately  adopt 
the  language  of  Cowper,  and  few  possessed  a  greater 
measure  of  his  indescribable  loveliness  and  sympathy. 

"  I  would  not  enter  on  my  list  of  friends, 
Tho'  graced  with  polished  manners  and  fine  sense, 
Yet  wanting  sensibility,  the  man 
Who  needlessly  sets  foot  upon  a  worm." 

III.  QUICKNESS  OF  PERCEPTION. 

"  When  a  new  subject  was  presented,  or  an  intricate 
question  was  mtroduced,  on  which  he  had  never  brought 
his  mind  to  bear,  it  was  delightful  to  observe  with  what 
power  he  grasped  the  subject,  and  how  readily  he  remo- 
ved the  difficulties  it  involved.  During  his  ministry  at 
Rutland,  infidelity  in  various  forms  was  fashionable. 
The  writings  of  Pa!yne,  Allen,  and  Ballou  were  in  the 
hands  of  many.  The  errors  inculcated  by  these  men 
he  often  combated  with  great  power,  both  in  the  pulpit 
and  in  personal  conversation.  Other  men  may  have  far 
exceeded  him  in  deliberate  and  protracted  investigation ; 
but  for  a  sudden  conflict,  or  an  effort  strictly  extempo- 
raneous, requiring  all  the  energies  of  the  mind  at  once, 
his  powers  were  transcendent.  Instances  often  occur- 
red of  a  text  being  given  him  as  he  was  about  to  com- 
mence a  lecture  or  a  funeral  sermon,  which,  as  a  matter 
of  courtesy,  he  would  accept,  illustrating  it  with  as 
much  self-possession  and  apparently  with  as  much  ease 
as  if  he  had  meditated  upon  it  for  weeks."*  He  was 
eminently  ready  for  every  emergency  which  reasonably 

*  Extract  of  a  letter  from  Rev.  A.  Parmalee. 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


275 


claimed  liis  ministerial  services.  In  a  number  of  ordi- 
nations, wlien  the  appointed  preacher  failed,  he  has, 
without  proper  time  for  preparation,  occupied  the  vacant 
place  with  much  ability  and  acceptance.  In  one  such 
instance,  after  the  assembly  had  principally  convened, 
he  sketched  the  plan  of  his  sermon,  which  was  entirely 
appropriate,  and  was  received  with  great  satisfaction. 

IV.  GREAT  MEMORY. 

This  high  excellence  was  in  part  the  gift  of  God,  and 
in  part  the  result  of  persevering  cultivation.  "  Memory, 
like  a  friend,  loves  to  be  trusted,  and  will  amply  reward 
our  confidence."  Like  other  faculties  of  the  mind,  it  is 
capable  of  indefinite  improvement. 

"  At  the  age  of  fifty,"  says  Rev.  Mr,  Parmalee, 
"  he  could  repeat  nearly  the  whole  of  Young's  Night 
Thoughts,  Milton's  Paradise  Lost,  Watts's  Psalms  and 
Hymns,  and  large  unbroken  passages  from  different 
authors,  and  more  of  the  sacred  Scriptures  than  any 
man  I  ever  knew.  When  he  had  listened  to  a  sermon 
or  a  conversation  of  great  length,  he  could  report  the 
whole,  and  much  of  it  in  the  very  terms  in  which  it  was 
given.  His  memory  was  a  safe  depository  for  every 
thing  he  thought  worthy  of  retaining,  and  hence  it  be- 
came a  sort  of  proverb  among  his  students,  that  his 
head  was  a  concordance."  In  a  single  extempore 
sermon  he  usually  referred  to  twenty  or  thirty  texts  of 
Scripture,  always  in  his  quotations  giving  chapter  and 
verse,  sometimes  adding,  "  If  I  mistake  not ;"  generally, 
however,  recollecting  with  confidence.  One  of  his  stu- 
dents in  theolog)-  says,*  "  I  frequently  noted  the  numer- 
ous passages  he  quoted  in  his  sermons,  for  the  purpose 

•  Rev.  Ashbel  Parmaleo. 


276 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


of  improving  my  own  mind,  as  well  as  satisfying  my- 
self in  regard  to  his  accuracy,  but  do  not  recollect  a  sol- 
itary instance  of  error." 

His  mind  from  childhood  was  subject  to  just  that 
discipline  which  was  calculated  to  improve  the  faculty 
of  memory.  He  could  obtain  but  few  books,  and  with 
the  contents  of  these  he  became  familiarly  acquainted. 
He  was  required  by  his  master  to  render  an  account 
of  the  sermons  he  heard  on  the  Sabbath,  and  by  this 
means  a  habit  of  attention  was  formed,  which  no  doubt 
contributed  greatly  to  the  promotion  of  his  extraordi- 
nary memor}'. 

V.  MATURE  JUDGMENT. 

The  general  confidence  reposed  in  Mr.  Haynes  as  a 
counsellor,  both  by  ministers  and  people,  is  proof  of  his 
penetration  in  cases  of  difficulty,  and  of  the  general  cor- 
rectness of  his  opinions.  For  many  years,  each  party 
in  a  difficult  case  was  solicitous  to  secure  his  services, 
as  though  safe  under  his  adjudications.  "  His  mind, 
however,  was  distinguished  rather  by  native  quickness 
and  energy,  than  by  exact  regimen.  Hence  his  meas- 
ures as  a  counsellor  and  disciplinarian  were  not  always 
judged  to  be  according  to  ecclesiastical  order."  Yet 
such  was  his  discernment  of  the  human  character,  and 
of  the  operations  of  different  minds  and  tempers,  that  he 
was  qualified  to  form  correct  decisions,  and  was  often  a 
great  helper  to  the  churches  in  this  department  of  duty. 

VI.  LITERARY  MERIT. 

With  regard  to  his  learning,  it  has  been  already  seen 
that  he  began  his  ministry  under  great  disadvantages. 
It  was  however  his  affliction,  and  not  his  fault,  that  he 


RET.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


277 


was  destitute  of  a  classical  education.  No  man  appre- 
ciated more  highly  than  he  the  varioiis  branches  of  ed- 
ucation, or  laboured  more  perseveringly  to  furnish  his 
mind  with  useful  knowledge.  He  used  often  to  say, 
"  If  I  were  to  live  my  life  over  again,  I  would  devote 
myself  to  books."  He  had  never  penetrated  far  into 
the  exact  sciences,  nor  was  he  extensively  acquainted 
with  the  Greek  and  Latin  classics.  His  mind,  how- 
ever, was  richly  stored  with  various  knowledge,  espe- 
cially that  which  was  of  immediate  use  in  the  work  of 
the  ministry.  As  a  writer  or  public  speaker,  he  never 
spent  a  moment  to  polish  his  style,  or  stepped  aside  to 
pluck  a  flower.  The  Latin  language  he  had  studied, 
and  acquired  a  superficial  acquaintance  with  some  of 
the  classics.  In  Greek,  he  had  never  gone  beyond  the 
Greek  Testament  and  Septuagint. 

After  all,  he  was  not  destitute  of  literary'  merit.  The 
English  classics  he  had  read  with  some  attention,  and 
his  remarks  discover  a  correct  taste  for  the  beauties  of 
poetry  and  elegant  composition. 

On  hearing  the  first  page  in  "Aken.side's  Pleasures 
of  the  Imagination,"  commencing  thus — 

"  With  what  attractive  charms  this  goodly  frame 
Of  nature  touches  the  consenting  hearts 
Of  mortal  man,"  &c., 

he  remarked,  "The  sentences  are  too  long  from  one 
period  to  another.  The  sense  of  the  author  is  thus 
rendered  obscure."  Johnson,  in  liis  "  Lives  of  the 
Poets,"  has  precisely  the  same  criticism.  "  His  flow 
is  smooth,  and  his  pauses  are  musical,  but  the  concen- 
tration of  his  verses  is  generally  too  long  continued,  and 
the  full  close  does  not  recur  with  sufficient  frequency. 
The  sense  is  earned  on  through  a  long  intertexture  of 
A  a 


278 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


complicated  clauses,  and,  as  nothing  is  distinguished, 
nothing  is  remeiT\bered."* 

As  he  was  Hslening  one  day  to  the  elegant  paper  in 
Johnson's  Rambler,  "  The  Journey  of  a  Day  :  a  Pic- 
ture of  Human  Life,"  his  son  asked,  "  Is  not  that  in- 
imitably beautiful  ?"  He  replied,  "  It  is  well  written, 
but  I  think  I  have  read  something  as  striking ; — let  me 
repeat  it : — '  And  the  voice  said,  Cry.  And  he  said, 
What  shall  I  cry  ?  All  flesh  is  grass,  and  all  the  good- 
liness  thereof  is  as  the  flower  of  the  field.  The  grass 
withereth,  the  flower  fadeth,  because  the  spirit  of  the 
Lord  bloweth  upon  it.'  " 

In  adverting  to  Johnson's  remarks  in  the  Life  of 
Waller,  that  "  devotional  poetry  cannot  often  please,** 
he  expressed  his  dissent  from  the  views  of  Johnson. 
He  thought,  however,  that  many  who  had  attempted  to 
versify  passages  of  Scripture  failed  entirely.  He  some- 
times humorously  quoted  the  following  lines  : — 

"  Hands  havo  they,  but  they  handle  not. 
Noses  have  they,  but  smell  no  jot," 

He  considered  the  following  version  of  the  si.xty-third 
Psalm  as  superior  in  sublimity  to  that  of  Watts  : — 

"  As  pants  the  hart  for  living  streams, 
When  heated  in  the  chase, 
So  pants  my  soul  to  see  my  God, 
And  his  refreshing  grace. 

"  For  thee,  my  God,  the  living  Lord, 
My  thirsty  soul  doth  pine  ; 
Oh  !  when  shall  I  behold  thy  face, 
Thou  Majesty  divine  !" 

Johnson's  closing  sentence  in  the  Life  of  Addison  re- 
ceived his  entire  approbation  : — "  Whoever  wishes  to 


*  Vol.  ii.,  page  521,  Life  of  Akenside. 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


279 


attain  an  English  style,  familiar  but  not  coarse,  aiid  ele- 
gant but  not  ostentatious,  must  give  liis  clays  and  nights 
to  the  volumes  of  Addison." 

Of  the  Spectator  he  used  to  say,  with  the  exception 
of  Mr.  Addison's  papers  and  some  others,  it  contained 
a  great  deal  of  trash,  and  that  selections  should  be 
made  for  the  young  reader. 

These  hints  might  be  multiplied  to  a  great  extent, 
and  ihey  are  inserted  to  exemplify  the  taste  of  Mr. 
Haynes  for  ingenious  classic  writings. 

In  1804,  the  honorary  degree  of  Master  of  Arts  was 
conferred  upon  him  by  the  trustees  of  Middlebury 
College. 

VII.  INDUSTRY. 

He  early  imbibed  the  sentiment  of  Seneca,  "  That 
time  is  almost  the  only  thing  of  which  it  is  a  virtue  to 
be  covetous.*'  Throughout  his  long  life,  he  was  con- 
scientious in  the  improvement  of  time.  His  early  habits 
were  formed  witli  reference  to  a  rigid  pursuit  of  busi- 
ness, day  and  night.  He  rose  at  an  early  hour,  and  often 
trimmed  the  midnight  lamp.  He  sometimes  left  his 
bed  for  study  in  the  dead  of  night,  especially  if  he  had 
occasion  to  prepare  a  sermon  in  which  his  feelings  were 
deeply  interested.  The  darkness  and  solitude  of  mid- 
night he  considered  as  favourable  to  his  meditations. 

He  was  a  zealous  friend  to  persevering  industry  in 
some  honest  calling ;  often  repeating  the  following 
lines ; — 

"  Go  to  the  shop,  the  plough,  the  hedge,  the  ditch, 
Some  honest  calhng  choose, — no  matter  which  ; 
Be  postman,  porter,  ply  the  labouring  oar, 
Employment  keeps  the  bailiff  from  the  door." 


280 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OP 


VIII.  DOMESTIC  VIRTUES. 

It  was  in  the  bosom  of  his  family  that  his  character 
shone  the  brightest.  As  a  husband  and  a  fallier  he  had 
no  superior.  Between  him  and  the  companion  of  his 
choice  there  was  a  sanctified  endearment  which  knew 
no  interruption. 

His  family,  comprising  his  children,  and  occasionally 
students  in  theology,  was  truly  a  little  Zion.  His 
children  were  trained  up  in  the  nurture  and  admonition 
of  the  Lord.  While  their  understandings  were  well 
cultivated,  their  hands  were  taught  the  useful  arts  of 
life,  and  their  minds  were  early  imbued  with  religious 
knowledge.  Family  government  was  strictly  parental, 
and  in  all  respects  the  government  of  reason  and  prin- 
ciple, not  of  sudden  passion  or  blind  indulgence.  When 
a  child  committed  a  fault,  there  was  tender  and  faithful 
reproof,  accompanied  with  a  passage  of  Scripture  di- 
rectly applicable  to  his  case.  The  effect  was  great. 
The  feelings  of  the  child  were  deeply  impressed,  and 
the  tears  of  penitence  copiously  flowed.  Such  govern- 
ment, while  it  secured  the  authority  of  the  parent  and 
the  dutifulness  of  the  child,  bound  parent  and  child  to- 
gether in  the  strongest  ties  of  affection.  One  of  his 
sons  adopts  the  following  language  as  an  expression  of 
his  feelings  : — "  I  will  here  say,  that  my  father's  coun- 
sels and  prayers,  I  have  reason  to  think,  have  kept  me 
from  falling  into  many  snares  and  temptations,  with 
which  my  life  has  been  beset.  His  advice  and  warn- 
ings are  as  fresh  in  my  memory  as  if  they  were  uttered 
yesterday.  I  have  reason  to  bless  God  for  the  gift  of 
such  a  parent.  May  I  never  be  guilty  of  any  act  that 
•hall  tarnish  his  memory." 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


281 


Though  his  means  of  support  were  extremely  limited, 
yet  his  house  was  the  home  of  the  poor  stranger,  and 
iJje  resort,  too,  of  men  of  taste  and  distinction,  who  were 
drawn  by  the  attractive  ingenuity  of  the  man. 

The  children  were  prone  to  regard  their  father  as 
sufficient  authority  for  any  point  of  doctrine  or  duty. 
After  gaining  their  father's  opinion,  it  was  as  when  in 
old  time  they  asked  counsel  of  Abel ;  "  So  they  ended 
the  matter."  The  father,  however,  utterly  discounte- 
nanced the  disposition  to  quote  him  as  authority,  insist- 
ing that  the  child  sliould  examine  for  himself.  If  it 
was  ever  said,  by  way  of  proving  any  point  in  divinity, 
"  Father  said  so ;"  he  would  reply  most  earnestly, 
"  Don't  make  a  Bible  of  me."  One  day,  somewhat  dis- 
turbed by  being  thus  used,  he  repaired  to  his  study  and 
penned  the  following  couplets  : — 

"  How  often  has  my  soul  been  vexed 
When  I  am  quoted  as  a  text ; 
I  must  be  burned  at  the  stake 
If  you  of  me  a  Bible  make." 

Family  worship  was  conducted  in  a  manner  both 
delightful  and  highly  instructive.  It  was  attended  at 
an  early  hour  both  morning  and  evening.  Each  of 
the  children  took  a  Bible,*  while  the  father  read  from 
the  Greek  Testament  or  Septuagi^it,  always  offering 
such  remarks  on  the  portion  read  as  were  suggested 
by  his  knowledge  of  the  Greek.  The  Scriptures  were 
usually  read  in  connexion  with  Scott,  Henry,  Guise, 
Doddridge,  M'Knight,  Orton,  or  some  other  approved 
commentary.  At  the  close  of  the  reading,  if  a  difficult 
passage  had  occurred,  he  was  accustomed  to  say,  "  I 
want  light:  who  of  you  can  give  any?"    He  com- 

•  Their  Bibles  were  the  gift  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Proudfit. 
A  a  2 


282 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


menced  with  the  youngest,  and  closed  with  Mrs. 
Haynes  ;  and,  after  gaining  their  views,  he  expressed 
his  own,  or  mentioned  which  opinion  is  the  correct 
one.  If  none  of  the  opinions  expressed  by  his  chil- 
dren was  correct,  he  sometimes  said  to  his  young 
commentators,  "  You  give  darkness  rather  than  light 
on  the  subject." 

Example  I. — Exodus,  28th  chapter. 

Mr.  Haynes.  In  ver.  34th,  what  is  the  meaning  of 
the  pomegranate  ? — have  I  ever  explained  it  ? 
Samuel.  I  recollect  that  you  have. 
Mr.  H.  How  ? 

S.  The  bell  and  the  pomegranate  represent  religion ; 
— the  bell  the  outward  profession — the  pomegranate 
inward  piety,  or  the  fruit. 

Mr.  H.  Does  religion  then  consist  in  noise  only  ? 

S.  It  does  not. 

Mr.  H.  Is  it  not  repeated  that  there  must  be  the 
pomegranate  ? 
S.  It  is. 

Mr.  H.  Is  it  not  implied  that  there  should  be  both 
an  outward  profession  and  a  holy  life  ? 

<S.  I  think  it  is  ;  both  are  required — fruit  always. 

Mr.  H.  My  son,  is  there  not  reason  to  fear  that  a 
great  many  professing  Christians  have  nothing  but  the 
bell  ? 

Example  II. — Lulie,  ISth  chapter. 

Mr.  H.  In  ver.  32,  why  did  our  Saviour  call  Herod 
a  fox  1 

S.  Because  he  is  supposed  to  have  been  a  cunning, 
artful  man. 

Mr.  H.  For  what  other  reason  did  he  doubtless  call 
him  a  fox  ? — can  you  tell  ? 

O.  A  fox  ia  cruel  and  mischievous — ^Herod  was 
such. 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


283 


Example  III. — Psalm  84. 

Mr.  H.  Ver.  6th  :  "  Who  passing  through  the  valley 
of  Baca,  make  it  a  well."  Can  any  of  you  explain  the 
verse  ? 

Ans.  We  cannot ;  will  father  explain  it  ? 

Mr.  H.  An  old  translation  has  it,  "  Who  passing 
through  the  valley  of  Baca,  make  God  tlieir  well- 
spring."  Baca  was  a  drj',  barren  vale,  through  which 
the  people  travelled  to  meeting  or  to  their  place  of 
worship.  Instead  of  fainting  from  thirst,  they  go  on 
cheerfully,  "  making  God  tiieir  well-spring  ;" — were 
spiritually  refreshed  and  comforted. 

Mr.  H.  Ver.  5tli :  "  In  whose  heart  are  the  ways  of 
them."  How  are  the  words  explained  ?  do  you  re- 
member ? 

E.  In  whose  heart  are  the  highways ;  i.  e.,  whose 
heart  is  in  the  way  to  worship — feeling  an  anxious  de- 
sire to  be  on  the  road  (as  we  say)  to  meeting. 

Mr.  H.  Ver.  3  :  Can  any  of  you  explain  it  ? 

Ans.  We  wish  father  to  explain  it. 

Mr.  H.  After  the  word  young  there  should  be  a 
period.  The  psalmist,  having  mentioned  the  privileges 
of  the  sparrow  and  the  swallow,  then,  after  a  full 
pause,  commences  the  subject  which  animated  his  own 
soul :  "  Thine  altars !  thine  altars !"  For  these  he 
longed.  I  tliink  it  incredible  that  these  birds,  as  some 
expositors  explain  it,  build  their  nests  on  the  altars  ! 

Example  lY.— Psalm  103. 

Mr.  H.  Ver.  5  :  "  Thy  youth  is  jenewed  like  the 
eagle's."  I  lately  explained  it,  but  propose  it  again  to 
see  if  you  remember.    W  ,  how  is  it  ? 

W.  You  observed  that  naturalists  say,  that  the  eagle 
becoming  old,  the  upper  part  of  the  bill  becomes  so 
lengthened  as  to  prevent  his  taking  food.  The  bird 
resorts  to  a  rock  and  grinds  off  his  bill ;  and,  by  this 
singular  expedient,  it  can  take  food,  and  thus  its  age  is 
renewed. 


264 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


Example  V. — EccL,  3d  chapter. 

Mr.  H.  Ver.  2  :  "  A  time  to  be  born  and  a  time  to 
die."  Can  any  of  you  tell  the  remarkable  omission 
made  here  ? 

Ans.  Why  !  it  is  not  said  there  is  a  time  to  live. 
The  interim  between  our  birth  and  our  death  is  so 
very  brief,  that  the  inspired  writer  is  remarkably  direct- 
ed to  pass  on  without  making  any  account  of  it. 

Mr.  H.  How  should  the  thought  affect  us  1 

Here  is  a  specimen  of  the  manner  in  which  Mr. 
Haynes  trained  up  his  children  to  a  critical  and  practi- 
cal knowledge  of  the  Holy  Scriptures.  His  house  for 
a  short  season  each  day  was  in  a  sense  a  theological 
seminary.  As  he  was  remarkably  fond  of  sacred  mu- 
sic, and  all  the  children  could  unite  their  voices,  sing- 
ing was  usually  blended  with  the  other  devotional  exer- 
cises. The  whole  service  was  short,  as  if  he  had  in 
mind  what  Whitefield  said  to  his  good  deacon,  who  had 
wearied  him  with  a  long  prayer  :  "  Sir,  you  prayed  me 
into  a  good  frame,  and  you  prayed  me  out  of  it."  The 
prayer  was  short,  appropriate,  and  fervent.  The 
stranger,  who  has  never  witnessed  these  scenes,  can  in 
nowise  conceive  the  fervency  which  fired  his  heart 
and  glowed  upon  his  lips.  Never  can  the  surviving 
children  cease  to  remember  these  sacred  seasons ; 
they  might  exclaijn  with  Philip  Henry,  when  he  had 
closed  the  duties  of  the  Sabbath,  "  Well,  if  this  be  not 
heaven,  it  must  be  the  way  to  it." 

IX.  HONESTY. 

He  had  adopted  a  high  standard  of  severe  and  rigid 
uprightness.  Much  as  he  suffered  from  the  pressure 
of  want,  and  talented  as  he  was  in  the  business  of 


REV.  LEMUBL  HAYNES. 


285 


making  a  bargain,  he  was  far  removed  from  suspicion 
in  respect  to  the  purest  integrity.  He  admired,  and 
often  quoted,  the  sentiment  expressed  by  Johnson  in 
the  Life  of  Sir  Francis  Drake :  "  The  first  step  to 
greatness  is  to  be  honest."  When  he  heard  of  a  revi- 
val of  rehgion,  he  often  inquired  whether  it  made  peo- 
ple honest ;  adding,  "  That  religion  is  not  worth  any 
thing  which  does  not  make  men  honest!"  No  man 
could  have  a  more  sacred  regard  for  dealing  justly  ;  he 
often  expressed  his  perfect  detestation  of  all  man- 
oeuvres, shifts,  or  deceit,  to  avoid  justice. 

X.  AFFABILITY. 

After  what  has  been  already  said,  it  is  hardly  neces- 
sary to  say  that  Mr.  Haynes  possessed  social  qualities 
of  a  high  order.  He  was  indeed  the  life  of  every  cir- 
cle in  which  he  moved.  It  was  a  common  saying 
among  his  parishioners,  that  Mr.  Haynes  could  see 
every  person  he  met,  and  was  not  too  proud  to  speak 
to  the  lowest  fellow-being.  His  speech  was  with 
grace,  seasoned  with  salt.  With  great  facility  he  could 
adapt  himself  to  all  classes.  It  is  often  a  delicate  task 
to  present  the  subject  of  religion  with  directness  to 
men  of  wealth  and  station.  This  duty  he  seldom  neg- 
lected, and  rarely  failed  of  performing  with  effect. 
Especially  did  he  possess  the  gift  of  the  heavenly 
Watts,  in  imparting  instruction  and  delight  to  little 
children.  He  seldom  met  a  child  without  proposing  a 
question,  suggesting  a  fact,  or  dropping  a  word  of 
counsel,  which,  from  the  peculiar  manner  in  which  it 
was  uttered,  became  riveted  in  his  memory.  More 
than  half  a  century  ago  the  writer  met  him  in  the  high- 
way, and  the  question  he  proposed  seems  like  an  event 


286 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


of  yesteraay.  No  child  could  know  him  without  lov- 
ing him.  "  I  always  loved  Mr.  Haynes,"  said  an  intel- 
ligent young  lady ;  "  when  I  was  learning  my  alphabet, 
he  told  me,  '  As  soon  as  you  have  learned  to  read  I 
will  give  you  a  Bible,'  and  I  have  got  it  yet." 

In  some  instances,  a  quotation  from  the  poets,  happily 
applied,  imparted  vivacity  to  his  conversation. 

On  hearing  of  the  affecting  catastrophe  of  the  fall 
of  the  large  store  of  Phelps  and  Peck,  in  New-York, 
which  buried  several  men  in  its  ruins,  he  instantly  re- 
peated the  following  lines  : — 

"  Our  safety  often  into  danger  turns, 
And  our  gitard  falling,  crushes  us  to  death." 

Standing  in  the  door  of  the  village  inn  in  Manches- 
ter, a  stranger  rode  up,  and  a  conversation  commenced 
involving  the  question  how  persons  should  act  in^  pe- 
culiar exigences.  After  hearing  the  remarks  of  the 
Btranger,  he  added, — 

"  Who  does  the  best  his  circumstance  allows. 
Does  well,  acts  nobly — angels  could  no  more." 

His  ready  wit,  which  was  of  the  most  innocent  and 
chastened  character,  gave  inexpressible  sprightliness  to 
his  social  powers.  If,  through  eager  inquisitiveness,  he 
found  himself  in  difficulty,  he  was  ingenious  in  turning 
his  inadvertences  to  his  own  advantage.  In  a  large 
circle  of  clergymen  and  others  on  a  public  occasion, 
Mr.  Hayncs  inquired  of  a  stranger  present  whether  the 
town  of  was  supplied  with  a  minister.  Being  an- 
swered in  the  affirmative,  he  inquired  with  much  inter- 
est, "  Do  you  know  the  man  ?" — "  Yes,"  replied  the 
stranger,  "  I  have  some  acquaintance  with  him." — 
•*  Well,  what  is  he  as  a  preacher,"  said  Mr.  Haynes  ; 
"  is  he  a  man  of  talents  ?" — "  I  cannot  say,"  replied 


RET.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


287 


the  stranger,  "  that  he  is  a  man  of  superior  talents.  He 
is  rather  ordinary  as  a  preacher." — "Why,"  said  Mr. 
11.,  "  — —  is  a  large  town,  comprising  an  intelhgent 
congregation.  An  ordinary  man,  I  think,  will  not  an- 
swer for  that  place !"  By  this  time  a  significant  smile 
round  the  room,  which  Mr.  H.  was  quick  to  interpret, 
discovered  that  the  stranger  was  the  minister  of  the 
place  referred  to.  *'  Well,  well,"  said  Mr.  Haynes,  "  I 
think  their  minister  has  one  excellent  qualification." — • 
"What  is  that?"  continued  the  clergyman.  "Why, 
sir,  I  believe  he  is  a  man  of  truth  /" 

XI.  TALENTS  AS  AN  INSTRUCTER- 

Previously  to  the  existence  of  theological  institutions* 
the  business  of  instruction  in  divinity  devolved  upon 
pastors  of  the  churches.  About  twenty  young  men 
at  diiferent  times  were  under  the  instruction  of  Mr. 
Haynes  in  this  department  of  their  preparation  for  the 
ministry.  The  following  extracts  of  a  letter  from  the 
Rev.  Simeon  Parmalee  will  give  additional  information 
on  this  part  of  our  narrative  : — 

•  *  *  "  As  a  theologian,  he  was  rather  practical 
than  metaphysical.  He  was  not  an  adept  in  nice  dis- 
tinctions ;  hence  he  was  more  general  in  his  views.  He 
directed  his  students  to  a  system  of  questions,  upon 
which  they  were  required  to  write,  and  submit  their 
dissertations  to  his  critical  remarks  upon  matter,  style, 
'plan,  and  sentiment.  In  these  recitations  he  was  very 
instructive,  sometimes  exceedingly  shrewd,  and  even 
severe.  His  greatest  excellence  as  an  instructer  was  in 
teaching  his  pupils  to  sermonize.  It  was  for  this  ob- 
ject mostly  that  many  sought  to  spend  time  with  him. 
Some  of  his  remarks  and  rules  on  this  part  of  a  minis- 


283 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


ter's  labour  I  have  not  forgotten,  and  I  rarely  prepare  a 
sermon  without  having  in  my  mind  that  man  of  God. 
When  he  heard  a  man  preach  that  played  around  his 
text  without  analyzing  or  opening  it,  he  was  wont  to 
say,  '  that  the  preacher  said  some  good  things,  but  did 
not  draw  the  heart's  blood  of  his  text.'  He  often  said 
to  his  pupils,  '  See  that  you  select  the  best  thought  in 
your  text,  and  then  follow  it  out.'  He  frequently  said 
of  men  whose  sermons  were  without  edge  or  point, 
'  They  get  their  plans  too  quick.' — '  If  your  subject,' 
he  often  remarked,  '  is  well  digested,  and  reduced  to  an 
ingenious  plan,  you  have  little  to  fear  about  your  ser- 
mon.' " 

Extract  of  a  letter  from  another  of  his  students,  the 
Reverend  Ashbcl  Parmalee,  Malone,  New-York  : — 

*  *  "I  only  remark  in  general,  that  he  was  a 
great  man,  a  preacher  of  the  first  order,  eminent  in  his 
gifts  for  prayer,  a  good  instructer ;  and  I  tender  my 
thanks  to  Almighty  God  for  having  placed  me  in  early 
life  under  his  care,  and  given  me  so  many  opportunities 
of  receiving  the  most  important  lessons  from  his  lips, 
which  I  hope  to  carry  to  the  grave,  and  to  heaven." 

He  used  to  say,  "  that  the  exordium  is  usually  the 
most  difficult  part  of  a  sermon.  If  a  man  stumble  at 
the  threshold,  he  will  be  apt  to  appear  awkward  after 
he  enters  the  house." 

He  sometimes  adverted  to  the  direction  which  Dr. 
Witherspoon  gave  to  his  pupils  : — "  Never  begin  to 
speak  till  you  have  got  something  to  say,  and  always 
stop  when  you  have  done." 

The  following  is  an  expression  of  his  opinion  re- 
specting commentaries,  of  which  he  possessed  several, 
and  studied  them  with  great  attention.  He  thought  Dr. 


w 


RET.  LEMUEL  HAYNES.  289 

Guise  had  furnished  the  best  commentary  on  the  diffi- 
cult passages  in  the  New  Testament.  His  expression 
was,  "  He  never  went  round  the  swamps."  Scott's 
commentary  he  thought  to  be  excellent  as  a  family 
work,  though  rather  too  prolix,  and  not  as  good  for  min- 
isters, who  wish  for  hght  on  difficult  passages,  as 
Guise,  Henry,  or  Doddridge.  He  tliought  Orton  was 
underrated.  He  used  in  his  last  years  to  read  his  work 
in  the  family,  saying  that  he  found  more  instruction 
than  he  expected.  He  often  alluded  to  the  circum- 
stance of  Ortori's  concluding,  in  most  instances,  his 
recollections  with  some  appropriate  Scriptural  passage. 

He  knew  that  the  acceptance  and  success  of  a  minis- 
ter depended  not  more  on  his  talent  in  the  pulpit  than 
on  his  conduct  out  of  it.  As  a  faithful  instructer,  he 
often  gave  hints  for  the  formation  of  ministerial  charac- 
ter. In  reference  to  bearing  injuries  with  patience,  he 
often  repeated  an  old  minister's  saying, — "  If  you  can't 
bear  to  hear  a  man  say  to  you,  '  You  lie,''  when  you 
know  that  he  knows  that  he  lies,  you  are  not  fit  to  be 
administer."  As  a  summary  of  every  thing  that  could 
be  said  in  this  connexion,  he  commended  to  his  pupils 
the  very  expressive  direction  of  the  Saviour, — "  Be  ye 
wise  as  serpents,  and  harmless  as  cloves.''^  He  would 
pleasantly  say,  "  An  ounce  of  serpent  to  a  pound  of  )) 
dove  is  generally  enough  !" 

XII.  EMINENT  AND  CONSISTENT  PIETY, 

His  religious  experiences  were  grounded  upon  a 
change  of  heart,  through  the  power  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 
He  ever  referred  to  the  new  and  wonderful  change 
which  he  felt  under  the  "  apple-tree"  as  the  commence- 
ment of  his  religious  feelings.  Previously  to  that  mem- 
Bb 


290 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


orable  event,  he  was  the  subject  of  many  serious  im- 
pressions ;  but  it  was  not  till  then,  as  he  believed,  that 
his  heart  was  sweetly  constrained  to  accept  the  salva- 
tion of  the  gospel.  His  religion  was  based  upon  a  firm 
belief  of  the  soul-subduing  doctrines  of  the  cross.  He 
seemed  continually,  and  especially  in  scenes  of  deep 
affliction,  to  look  up  to  heaven  with  serene  joy,  that  Je- 
hovah was  on  the  throne.  A  remarkable  spirituality 
was  apparent  in  his  conversation,  which  plainly  evinced 
that  he  was  familiar  with  Heaven.  He  loved  the  du- 
ties of  the  closet,  where  no  eye  but  that  of  Omnis- 
cience witnessed  his  secret  wrestlings  with  the  angel 
of  the  covenant.  He  was  distinguished  for  great  ten- 
derness, and  was  often  deeply  affected  with  a  sense  of 
his  own  sinfulness.  In  prayer  he  seemed  to  covet  the 
lowest  place,  more  than  the  throne  of  an  archangel. 

"  I  beheld  the  transgressors  and  was  grieved."  This 
was  characteristic  of  Mr.  Haynes.  In  the  pulpit,  he 
often  wept  in  view  of  the  exposure  of  others  to  the 
wrath  of  God.  If  he  possessed  any  one  of  the  Chris- 
tian graces  in  a  higher  degree  than  the  rest,  it  was 
doubtless  humility.  He  was  everywhere  surrounded 
with  incitements  to  pride ;  whenever  he  preached  abroad 
he  was  sure  to  draw  a  large  audience,  who  hung  upon 
his  lips  with  most  flattering  attention.  If  he  travelled, 
all  classes  were  solicitous  to  give  him  entertainment. 
Amid  the  admiration  of  crowded  assemblies  or  the  pres- 
sing invitations  of  his  friends,  he  never  discovered  any 
other  feelings  than  those  of  marked  humility.  He  often 
spoke  of  Cowper,  who  stayed  from  public  worship,  fear- 
ing that  by  his  presence  he  should  defile  the  house  of 
God.  In  speaking  of  himself  or  of  his  performances, 
he  manifested  great  delicacy.    He  used  to  say,  "  It  is  a 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


291 


great  deal  for  ministers  to  keep  ego  out  of  the  pulpit." 
When  led  to  speak  or  to  offer  prayer  in  reference  to 
himself,  it  was  in  terms  of  affecting  self-abasement.  He 
loathed  all  self-exaltation.  If  his  family,  after  he  had 
retired,  spoke  in  commendation  of  his  public  perform- 
ances, he  would  stop  his  ears  that  he  might  not  hear  it. 
He  was  deaf  to  the  voice  of  praise. 

Finally,  we  may  consider  his  ministerial  gifts.  Mr. 
Haynes  possessed  a  clear  head  and  a  pure  heart.  In 
him  was  a  rare  union  of  qualifications  for  the  gospel 
ministry.  His  unoffending  deportment  and  great  spirit- 
uality ;  his  tenderness  and  humility ;  his  quickness  of 
perception  and  strength  of  memory ;  his  systematic 
views  of  theology  and  comprehensive  knowledge  of  all 
subjects  connected  with  his  work  as  a  minister  of 
Christ,  fitted  him  to  stand  forth  as  "  a  burning  and 
shining  light." 

It  is  much  to  be  regretted  that  he  left  no  diary  or 
other  writings  on  his  own  private  religious  experience. 
"  The  living  epistle,"  which  his  long  life  has  left  as  a 
legacy  to  all  who  knew  him,  may  be  "  known  and  read 
of  all  men."  His  piety  was  uniform,  deep,  and  consist- 
ent, and  always  active.  He  was  much  in  his  closet; — 
watched,  and  prayed,  and  fasted  much ;  and,  as  one  of 
God's  ministering  angels  in  flesh  and  blood,  he  seemed 
to  maintain  habitual  communion  with  the  Father  of 
spirits.  He  forgot  himself  while  the  glory  of  the  Lord 
and  the  interest  of  Zion  lay  near  his  heart.  He  was 
like  one  standing  on  the  verge  of  two  worlds,  viewing 
alternately  the  one  and  the  other,  and  taking  his  meas- 
ures in  due  regard  to  both. 

His  manner  in  the  pulpit  was  peculiarly  his  own.  I 
would  describe  him,  "simple,  grave,  sincere."  From 


292 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


the  very  commencement  of  public  service  he  held  his 
audience  as  by  a  kind  of  religious  fascination.  He 
made  no  gestures  except  to  wave  horizontally  the  hand 
in  which  he  held  his  reference  Bible.  He  never  looked 
a  hearer  in  the  eye,  but  seemed  as  much  absorbed  in 
his  subject  as  if  no  assembly  was  before  him.  His 
enunciation,  though  remarkably  clear,  was  extremely 
rapid ;  a  delightful  flow  of  words  and  thoughts,  as  if 
they  were  crowding  each  other  for  utterance.  Remark- 
able as  he  was  for  wit  and  keen  retort,  he  was  never 
known  in  the  pulpit 

"  To  court  a  grin  when  he  should  win  a  soul." 

His  discourses  were  delivered  either  extempore  or 
memoriter,  almost  entirely.  Occasionally  you  might 
have  seen  him  open  his  Bible  and  refer  to  the  brief 
heads  of  his  sermon.  You  wovdd  be  carried  along 
through  the  several  divisions  of  the  discourse  as  by  the 
charm  of  a  musical  instrument.  Throughout  his  ser- 
mons, he  kept  his  subject  so  thoroughly  in  view,  and  so 
incessantly  brought  forward  convincing  arguments  and 
happy  illustrations  to  confirm  and  explain  it,  that  he 
rarely  failed  to  produce  a  deep  and  permanent  impres- 
sion. His  sermons  you  could  never  forget.  You  would 
have  been  occasionally  thrilled  with  fine  strokes  of  elo- 
quence. At  the  close  of  the  service  you  would  be 
ready  to  say,  as  an  interesting  and  intelligent  lady  once 
said,  after  listening  with  rapture  to  his  sermon  from 
Psalm  xvi.,  11,  on  heavenly  joy — "It  seems  as  if  the 
angels  had  come  down  !"  In  short,  "  he  was  the  orator 
of  nature,  and  such  a  one  as  nature  would  not  blush  to 
own." 

He  xoas  always  happy  in  the  choice  of  his  text. 
Being  a  most  thorough  textuarist,  the  whole  Bible  was 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


293 


at  his  command  on  all  occasions.  On  the  demise  of 
Napoleon  Bonaparte  at  St.  Helena,  a  respectable  pa- 
rishioner proposed  to  him  that  the  event  should  be  com- 
memorated by  a  funeral  discourse.  "  Is  it  best  ?"  said 
he ;  "I  can  deliver  a  discourse  if  it  is  best.  I  have 
thought  of  a  text.  '  The  Lord  hath  taken  away  ;  bles- 
sed be  the  name  of  the  Lord.' "  His  text  rarely  com- 
prised more  than  one  verse,  and  in  many  instances  only 
a  single  clause.  It  was  always  the  very  one  which  the 
occasion  required,  and  was  presented  to  view  so  prom- 
inently, and  connected  so  closely  with  the  whole  dis- 
course, that  his  texts  and  sermons  have  been  remem- 
bered for  half  a  century. 

He  discovered  great  (nnginality  in  the  plan  of  his 
sermons. 

It  was  generally  his  method  to  reduce  his  text  to  a 
categorical  proposition,  which  he  illustrated  by  three  or 
four  distinct  divisions,  as  the  subject  required.  Much 
ingenuity  appeared  in  the  arrangement  of  his  subdivis- 
ions ;  and  the  meaning  of  his  whole  text  was  given 
with  perspicuity  and  force.  Although  he  followed  the 
method  of  the  old  divines  in  the  multiplicity  of  his  di- 
visions, yet  he  never  said  8thly  or  9thly  without  a 
thought  which  richly  rewarded  the  attention  of  the 
hearer. 

The  following  skeleton  of  one  of  his  sermons  may  be 
regarded  as  a  fair  specimen  of  his  manner. 

"  Zech.  xi.,  13  :  'A  goodly  price  that  I  was  prized  at 
of  them.' 

"  There  are  people  to  be  found  who  sell  the  Lon 
Jesus,  and  are  wicked  enough  to  think  they  make  i 
good  bargain. 

"  I.  Who  are  those  that  sell  the  Lord  Jesus  Ch  1 , 
B  b  2 


294  LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 

"  II.  Whence  it  appears  that  they  think  they  have 
sold  him  for  a  '  goodly  price,'  or  traded  well. 

"  III.  Expose  the  folly  and  criminality  of  their  con- 
duct." 

IMPROVEMENT. 

"1.  Were  Christ  personally  here,  he  would  fare  no 
better  than  he  did  in  the  days  of  his  flesh. 

"  2.  No  wonder  God  has  controversy  with  us  ; — we 
have  sold  Christ. 

"  3.  When  God  converts  a  sinner,  he  disannuls  the 
soul-destroying  bargain. 

"4.  When  he  damns  the  sinner,  he  ratifies  the  bar- 
gain which  he  has  made. 

"  5.  'Tis  more  dangerous  selling  Christ  than  former- 
ly.   Truth  of  Christianity  is  more  confirmed. 

"  6.  This  conduct  of  men  should  be  a  town-talk. 
The  reason  why  it  is  not  is,  that  so  many  are  in  the 
trade. 

"  7.  All  should  do  what  they  can  to  break  up  such 
bargains. 

"  8.  Examine — Have  you  sold  Christ  ?  Is  it  not 
written  on  your  conduct- — on  the  doors  of  your  houses 
—  your  closets  —  your  pew -doors  —  'Christ  sold 
HERE  V  " 

His  preacliing  was  doctrinal  and  discriminating. 

"  His  theological  views  were  systematic.  They 
embraced  essentially  the  New-England  orthodoxy  of 
the  last  age.  He  knew  what  he  beheved,  and  he  was 
distinguished  for  an  uncompromising  exhibition  of  the 
doctrines  of  grace.  He  preached  these  doctrines  with- 
out distinction  in  revivals  of  religion.  And  perhaps  no 
pastor  in  Vermont  enjoyed  more  abundant  fruits  of  re- 
vival, for  the  size  of  his  parish,  than  Mr.  Haynes. 
West  Rutland  was  among  the  first  and  largest  sharers 
in  that  copious  rain  of  righteousness  in  1803-4.  The 


K£V.  LEMUEL  IIAYNE8. 


295 


church  was  greatly  augmented  and  edified.  Several 
churches  in  the  neighbourhood  sought  and  obtained  his 
labours  when  practicable.  He  was  much  in  revivals, 
and  few  pastors,  I  believe,  will  have  a  crown  of  more 
gracious  seals  in  heaven  than  Lemuel  Haynes.  In  the 
period  of  his  strength  and  activity  he  held  a  high  stand- 
ing with  people  of  almost  every  class.  He  was  greatly 
beloved  and  esteemed  by  his  ministerial  brethren  for  his 
sprightly  gifts,  his  brotherly,  meek,  unassuming  spirit, 
and  for  his  consistent,  devoted  piety.  He  was  truly 
'  the  brother  whose  praise  was  in  the  gospel  through- 
out all  the  churches.'  "* 

He  discovered  an  uncommon  knowledge  of  men. 

In  his  early  life  he  was  in  the  living,  acting  world,  asso- 
ciated with  men  in  the  field,  in  the  town-meeting,  in  the 
camp,  and  in  the  daily  intercourse  of  business  and  friend- 
ship. He  knew  the  infidel,  the  caviller,  the  hypocrite, 
the  worldling,  in  their  naked  character.  He  was  famil- 
iarly acquainted  with  men  of  all  classes,  and  by  hearing 
the  captious  reasonings  of  the  wicked  against  the  doc- 
trines and  duties  of  the  gospel,  he  brought  with  him  into 
the  ministry  a  knowledge  which  could  never  have  been 
gained  from  books  alone.  A  knowledge  of  the  human 
heart  is  as  truly  necessary  to  the  preacher  as  that  of  the 
Holy  Scriptures.  In  this  important  science  Mr.  Haynes 
was  exceeded  by  none  of  his  contemporaries.  He  had 
studied  his  own  heart  with  tears  and  on  his  knees. 
This  knowledge  of  men  and  things  is  of  inestimable 
worth  to  the  orator,  and  especially  to  the  Christian 
orator,  whose  most  difficult  work  is  to  expose  the  de- 
ceitful windings  and  doublings  of  the  human  heart. 

*  Extract  of  a  letter  from  Rev.  W.  Jackson,  Dorset,  Vt.,  who  has  fui- 
nished  many  interesting  facts  for  this  memoir. 


296 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


He  compelled  the  poets  to  contribute  from  their 
choicest  treasures  a?i  interest  and  an  impressiveness  to 
his  sermons. 

The  best  passages  in  Milton,  Young,  Cowper,  and 
Watts,  were  entirely  at  his  command.  If  the  impres- 
sion on  an  audience  was  to  be  deepened,  or  a  sentiment 
was  to  be  exliibited  more  forcibly,  they  came  at  his 
bidding. 

He  imparted  weight  to  his  discourses  by  appropri- 
ate and  abundant  quotations  from  the  Scriptures. 

If  there  was  a  text  to  his  purpose,  he  selected  it,  and 
brought  it  to  the  place  where  it  was  needed.  In  bibli- 
cal exegesis  he  was  remarkably  ready.  The  Bible  had 
been  his  study,  and  with  several  commentators  he  was 
familiar.  His  memory  seemed  to  be  a  kind  of  synopsis 
criticorum,  so  that,  on  almost  every  text  not  perfectly 
plain,  he  could  give  you  the  views  of  all  the  prominent 
commentators,  accompanied  generally  with  pertinent 
original  suggestions.  This  added  not  a  little  to  the  in- 
terest of  his  conversation  and  of  his  public  discourses. 
There  was  throughout  his  sermons  such  an  array  of 
Scripture  proof,  that  opposition  to  the  great  doctrines 
which  he  preached  was  felt  to  be  opposition  to  the  Bi- 
ble. His  discourses  being  thus  full  of  Divine  truth,  and 
bearing  the  sanction  of  a  "  Thus  saith  the  Lord," 
awakened  great  attention — took  a  deep  hold  upon  the 
soul — pierced  the  conscience — roused  the  affections — 
and  produced  convictions  of  the  truth  and  importance 
of  religion,  which  failed  not  to  inspire  a  congregation 
with  a  deep  interest  in  their  pastor,  and  with  great  re- 
spect for  his  character. 

He  was  remarkable  for  his  simplicity. 

His  style  was  neither  vulgar  on  the  one  hand,  nor 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


297 


florid  on  the  oilier.  It  was  plain  and  neat.  His  words 
were  chosen  with  special  reference  to  carrying  home 
truth  forcibly  to  persons  of  every  variety  of  intellect. 
He  often  referred  to  the  original  Scriptures, — not,  how- 
ever, to  make  a  display  of  learning,  but  to  present  some 
new  and  important  thought.  His  discourses,  while  they 
interested  persons  of  the  most  cultivated  intellect,  were 
perfectly  within  the  comprehension  of  the  most  ordi- 
nary capacity  ;  and  even  children  could  comprehend 
every  part  of  the  sermon,  and  remember  it  distinctly 
for  years. 

His  illustrations  were  usually  taken  from  the  com- 
mon occurrences  and  objects  of  life,  and  were  managed 
with  such  felicity  that  every  one  saw  and  felt  their 
power.  What  Quinctilian  has  said  of  a  discourse,  pri- 
ma virtus  orationis  perspicuitas*  was  in  the  highest 
sense  applicable  to  his  sermons. 

He  loas  distinguished  for  his  animated  delivery. 

He  had  studied  no  rules  of  elocution,  and  was  far 
from  being  an  accomplished  orator.  Occasionally  he 
adopted  an  obsolete  expression,  and  his  pronunciation 
was  that  of  the  last  age.  It  was  apparent,  however,  on 
his  entering  the  pulpit,  that  he  felt  conscious  of  his  aw- 
ful charge.  He  possessed  not  only  a  kind  of  poetic  en- 
thusiasm, and  knew  how  to  employ  the  most  lively 
images  as  his  subject  required,  but  the  tones  of  his 
voice  were  natural,  familiar,  and  insinuating.  His  man- 
ner was  modest  and  deeply  impressive.  Sermons  often 
fail  of  producing  effect  from  the  cold  and  lifeless  man- 
ner in  which  they  are  delivered.  "  How  happens  it," 
rjaid  a  bishop  to  a  stage-player,  "  that  you  treat  of  fic- 

*  Plainness  is  the  chief  excellence  of  a  sermon, 


298 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


tion,  and  yet  people  are  attentive  and  deeply  affected ; 
while  we  preachers  treat  of  realities  without  effect?" 
"  Because,"  replied  the  stage-player,  "  you  treat  reali- 
ties as  fictions,  but  we  treat  fictions  as  realities."  In 
the  pulpit  orator  there  is  a  certain  quality  which  ani- 
mates and  inspires  his  discourses,  and  never  fails  to 
aviraken  emotion  in  the  assembly.  This  quality  is  sen- 
sibility. Hence  the  Latin  poet  Longinus  thought  that 
the  orator  must  himself  feel  the  passion  he  would  de- 
scribe : — "  Si  vis  me  Jlere,  dolendum  est  primum  ipsi 
tibi .'» 

It  was  this  quality  of  mind  in  Mr.  Haynes,  in  con- 
nexion with  his  holy  fervour,  that  gave  him  such  influ- 
ence as  a  public  speaker.  It  was  this  that  rendered  his 
services  so  desirable  and  so  interesting  on  funeral  oc- 
casions. His  addresses  at  the  grave  were  exceedingly 
impressive.  On  one  occasion  he  said,  "  Come,  my 
friends,  let  us  look  into  our  house.  Here  we  must  soon 
be  placed.  It  is  ours  in  a  peculiar  and  appropriate 
sense.  We  deserve  it,  and  our  sins  have  ensured  it  to 
us.  How  dreadful  the  thought  to  the  impenitent  sin- 
ner, to  go  down  to  this  region  '  with  endless  curses  on 
his  head.'  To  such  it  is  a  dreary  abode.  It  sometimes 
makes  the  good  man  tremble  to  think  of  lying  here. 
How  then  must  it  startle  the  sinner  !" 

Mr.  Haynes  was  seen  to  be  the  man  of  God  in  the 
pulpit  and  out  of  it.  Such  he  was  in  the  social  circle, 
in  the  chamber  of  sickness,  in  the  house  of  mourning, 
and  in  all  the  intercourse  of  life.  Such  a  preacher, 
bearing  about  with  him  the  credentials  of  the  Lord, 
"  resembles  the  angel  of  the  Apocalypse,  who  was  seen 
standing  in  the  sun."  He  cannot  fail  to  produce  effect 
on  the  minds  and  consciences  of  men,  and  to  gather 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


299 


around  hini  a  clmrch  wliich  shall  "  be  in  earnest  about 
their  eternity."  And  if  the  immortal  Shakspeare  had 
intentionally  described  him  in  the  following  lines,  he 
could  not  have  greatly  erred  : — 

"  He  was  a  man,  take  him  for  all  in  all : 
We  ne'er  shall  look  upon  his  like  again." 

Extract  of  a  letter  from  Rev.  Simeon  Parmalee, 
Westford,  New- York  :— 

*  *  "  For  the  last  twenty-eight  years  I  have  known 
little  of  that  ever  memorable  man,  Reverend  Lemuel 
Haynes,  except  from  occasional  interviews ;  hence  I 
must  depend  on  memory  for  what  I  may  state  respect- 
ing him.  No  man,  however,  not  even  my  own  father, 
has  more  perfect  standing  in  my  recollection  than  that 
aifeclionate  and  extraordinary  man.  My  native  place 
was  within  ten  miles  of  his  residence  at  West  Rutland. 
He  was  a  most  intimate  friend  of  our  beloved  pastor, 
and  often  exchanged  pulpits  with  him  on  the  Sabbath. 
The  fact  was  always  announced  on  the  preceding  Sab- 
bath, and  he  never  failed  of  securing  a  crowded  assem- 
bly. Hence,  from  a  child,  I  entertained  the  most  exalt- 
ed views  of  the  man,  and  nothing  would  induce  me  to 
be  absent  when  he  was  to  supply  the  pulpit.  While 
yet  a  careless  youth,  I  well  remember  that  I  regarded 
it  as  a  serious  evil  to  find  myself  belated  so  as  to  de- 
prive myself  of  the  first  prayer.  There  was  something 
in  the  looks,  manner,  and  gesture  of  the  man  that  chain- 
ed my  attention,  and  impressed  my  youthful  mind  with 
the  thought  that  he  was  something  more  than  human. 
I  often  passed  the  Sabbath  with  a  sister,  who,  with  her 
husband  and  some  of  the  children,  were  members  of 
his  church  ;  and  my  visits  were  a  source  of  great  pleas- 
ure, as  I  could  enjoy  the  luxury  of  hearing  Mr.  Haynes 
on  the  Sabbath.  After  making  a  profession  of  religion, 
wliich  was  in  early  life,  I  became  more  intimately  ac- 
quainted with  him.  While  studying  divinity,  I  spent 
the  most  of  one  season  in  his  family,  and  enjoyed  the 
privilege  of  silting  under  his  ministry.    One  peculiar 


300 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


cliaracler  of  his  talents  in  the  pulpit  was  great  solem- 
nity. When  he  ascended  the  pulpit,  it  was  with  a 
gravity  which  seemed  to  indicate  that  he  felt  the  ama- 
zing weight  of  his  charge  as  an  ambassador  of  God  to 
dying  men.  His  solemn  countenance,  with  an  eye 
quick  and  piercing,  at  once  hushed  every  thing  like  lev- 
ity in  the  assembly,  and  compelled  all  to  feel  that  they 
were  in  God's  house.  His  reading  was  somewhat  old- 
fashioned  and  monotonous,  but  peculiarly  impi-essive. 
His  prayers  were  inimitable.  They  were  expressed  in 
language  peculiarly  solemn,  and  reverential,  and  hum- 
ble. He  seemed  to  feel  like  a  guilty  offender  upon  his 
knees  before  the  great  Sovereign  of  the  universe,  plead- 
ing for  guilty  worms,  himself  the  most  guilty.  He 
seemed  to  sigh  for  a  more  humble  spirit,  often  closing 
his  prayers  with  such  an  expression  as  this, — '  When 
our  poor  services  here  are  ended,  oh,  let  us  sit  down  in 
that  world  of  eternal  humiliation,  where  we  shall  serve 
thee  more  acceptably.'  When  notes  for  special  prayer 
were  presented,  he  was  wonderful  in  introducing  them 
in  such  a  manner  as  to  bring  the  subjects  in  the  most 
moving  manner  before  the  eye  of  tlie  congregation. 
His  sympathies  were  uncommonly  strong.  Both  his 
matter  and  manner  in  prayer  were  original.  He  was 
the  least  formal,  in  the  family  and  in  the  pulpit,  of  any 
man  I  ever  heard.  He  often  commenced  family  prayer, 
in  which  he  was  always  short,  with  a  passage  of  Scrip- 
ture like  the  following, — '  It  is  good  to  give  thanks  unto 
thee,  0  God.'  In  prayer  and  in  preaching,  it  may  be 
said  of  him  that  he  was  like  no  one  else.  His  choice 
of  a  text  was  peculiar.  His  plans  were  original.  He 
was  mighty  in  the  Scriptures,  and  he  could  quote  them 
from  memory,  referring  to  chapter  and  verse.  This 
practice  gave  him  no  small  share  of  popularity.  I  have 
heard  him  often  on  important  occasions,  when  called  to 
preach  at  the  funeral  of  distinguished  characters,  or  at 
ordinations,  when  he  rarely  came  up  to  himself.  He 
shone  brightest  in  his  own  pulpit.  His  gestures  were 
few,  and  those  not  the  most  graceful.  But  there  was 
an  earnestness  in  his  manner,  and  looks,  and  language, 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNE8. 


301 


which  told  on  the  consciences  of  his  hearers.  His  dis- 
courses were  plain  to  be  understood,  exceeding  prac- 
tical and  pointed.  Few  men  have  at  command  a  greater 
fund  of  useful  knowledge  than  he  ;  and  it  was  so  man- 
aged as  to  render  his  sermons  both  useful  and  enter- 
taining. Not  merely  the  common  people,  but  all 
classes  were  dehghted  in  hstening  to  his  ingenuity-* 
Though  possessed  of  rare  wit,  he  seldom  employed  it 
in  the  pulpit.  Tears  were  much  more  common  than 
smiles  in  the  congregation.  At  a  meeting  of  ministers, 
if  an  accidental  sermon  was  called  for,  it  almost  uni- 
formly fell  on  Mr.  Haynes  to  be  the  preacher." 

HIS  LAST  SICKNESS  AND  DEATH. 

ri  was  the  prayer  of  John  Wesley,  "  Lord,  let  rae 
not  live  to  be  useless."  Mr.  Haynes  lived  to  a  good 
old  age,  but  not  one  day  too  long.  His  powers  of  use- 
fulness continued  in  such  a  degree  that  he  officiated 
in  the  ministry  till  within  five  months  of  his  decease. 
And  these  months,  though  marked  by  severe  suffering, 
were  distinguished  for  sweet  submission,  and  a  hope 
full  of  immortality. 

After  taking  a  final  leave  of  friends  in  Granville, 
Massachusetts,  he  returned  in  August  to  his  beloved 
flock  in  Granville,  New-York,  and  continued  his  pas- 
toral labours,  as  usual,  through  the  year.  Early  in  the 
year  following  he  penned  his  last  sermon  from  these 
words:  "And  serve  him  day  and  night  in  his  temple." 
He  was  now  contemplating  the  "saint's  everlasting 
rest,"  a  subject  on  which  he  had  often  dwelt  with 
great  delight,  and  which,  as  he  drew  near  to  eternity, 
was  unquestionably  invested  with  new  interest.  His 
mind  was  elevated  with  heavenly  contemplations. 

•  The  president  of  one  of  our  colleges,  hearing  him  preach  on  Judas's 
selling  Christ,  remarked,  that  "  there  were  more  rich  thoughts  in  that  dis- 
course than  any  he  had  ever  heard." 

C  c 


302 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


Symptoms  of  disease  indicated  that  the  time  of  his 
departure  was  at  hand.  Early  in  March  a  species  of 
gangrene  appeared  in  one  of  his  feet,  which  threaten- 
ed speedy  dissolution.  For  three  weeks  he  experi- 
enced extreme  anguish  day  and  night.  There  was 
then  a  mitigation  of  the  violence  of  disease,  and  he  re- 
sumed his  pastoral  labours.  On  the  7th  of  April  he 
preached  at  the  funeral  of  a  young  man  from  2  Cor.  v., 
1  :  "  For  we  know  that  if  our  earthly  house  of  this 
tabernacle  were  dissolved,  we  have  a  building  of  God, 
a  house  not  made  with  hands,  eternal  in  the  heavens." 
His  aspect  was  of  such  a  death-like  paleness,  that  he 
seemed,  in  a  sense,  to  be  preaching  his  own  funeral 
sermon.  For  several  weeks,  though  at  the  expense  of 
great  suffering,  he  met  his  congregation  twice  on  the 
Lord's  day.  His  last  sermon  delivered  in  public  was 
from  Luke  iv.,  16:  "And,  as  his  custom  was,  he  went 
into  the  synagogue  on  the  Sabbath  day." 

He  now  bade  farewell  to  his  pulpit,  and  retired  to 
the  bosom  of  his  family  to  die.  And  he  retired  laden 
with  the  blessing  of  multitudes,  whose  gratitude,  con- 
fidence, and  affection  he  carried  with  him  to  his  grave. 

In  May  he  was  confined  for  the  most  part  to  his 
house,  but  still  had  strong  desires  to  preach  the  gospel 
to  his  fellow-mcn.  To  a  brother  in  the  ministry  he 
made  the  following  remarks :  "  I  am  strong  in  the  be 
lief  of  the  same  doctrines,  and  wish  to  die  preaching 
the  same  gospel,  which,  for  more  than  fifty  years,  I 
have  proclaimed  to  mankind." 

In  these  externally  afflicting  circumstances,  the  Rev- 
erend Mr.  Jackson,  of  Dorset,  says . — 

"  It  is  worthy  of  remark,  that  such  was  the  affection 
and  sympathy  of  our  churches  for  Mr.  Haynes,  when 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


303 


compelled  by  infirmities  to  resign  his  work,  the  Rut- 
land Consociation,  in  June,  1833,  appointed  a  com- 
mittee of  their  own  body  to  see  that  this  aged  servant 
of  God  should  be  carefully  provided  for,  and  not  suffer 
any  privation  which  could  be  prevented.  And,  as  soon 
as  this  committee  notified  the  churches  that  there  was 
need,  ample  relief  began  to  flow  in  from  the  churches, 
and  continued  for  a  season  even  after  his  decease." 

It  is  a  just  saying  of  Logan,  "  that  afflictions,  sup- 
ported by  patience  and  surmounted  by  fortitude,  give 
the  last  finishing  to  the  heroic  and  gracious  character." 
Mr.  Haynes  was  one  of  whom  it  might  be  emphati- 
cally said,  "1  have  chosen  thee  in  the  furnace  of 
affliction."  From  his  birth  "he  had  been  set  as  a 
mark  for  the  arrow."  While  he  was  distinguished  in 
every  period  of  life  by  rich  expressions  of  Divine 
favour,  his  cup  was  mingled  with  draughts  of  severe 
suffering.  But  it  was  apparent  that  each  successive 
trial  carried  him  forward  in  meetness  for  the  world  of 
glory. 

Mr.  Haynes  did  not  die  suddenly,  but  had  time  for 
self-examination  and  prayer.  He  could  deliberately 
review  the  past  and  look  forward  to  the  future.  He 
did  not  suffer  a  wreck  of  intellectual  powers,  but  he 
was  calm  and  collected  even  to  the  last.  His  death- 
bed was  a  scene  of  triumph.  His  whole  deportment 
showed  that  he  was  familiar  with  heaven. 

As  summer  months  advanced,  the  gangrene  spread 
in  his  diseased  limb,  and  the  only  hope  was  in  ampu- 
tation. In  July  a  council  of  physicians  was  called,  his 
own  son  being  one  of  the  number,  and  the  result  was 
not  to  amputate.  About  this  time  he  writes  to  one  of 
his  sons  at  a  distance,  and  the  letter  carries  with  it 


304 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OP 


the  proof  that  "  his  right  hand  had  lost  its  cuiming."  In 
this  letter  he  says  : — 

*  *  *  "  My  situation  is  much  as  it  has  been — I 
think  not  very  encouraging.  I  am  in  the  hands  of 
God,  and  in  a  measure  reconciled  to  his  will ;  and  it  is 
impossible  to  determine  what  will  be  the  issue  of  the 
disease.  I  hope  I  can  say,  '  The  Lord  reigns,  bles- 
sed be  his  name.'  But  you  see  what  poor  work  I 
make  of  writing — should  be  glad  to  see  you  all  before 
I  die — I  commit  it  all  to  God.  Oh !  remember  your 
Creator !  Let  not  the  fashions  of  the  world  divert 
your  minds  from  eternity  ! 

"  Your  dying  father, 

"  Lemuel  Haynes. 

"  2d  July,  1833." 

This  letter  being  finished,  the  hand  that  wrote  it  laid 
down  the  pen  for  ever. 

Through  a  long  and  active  life  he  had  been  familiar 
with  "the  chamber  where  the  good  man  meets  his 
fate;"  he  had  often  alluded  to  it  in  the  pulpit.  No 
man  could  speak  more  tenderly  or  eloquently  of  the 
dying  Christian.  He  had  aided  many  a  weary  travel- 
ler to  close  his  pilgrimage  in  peace.  Now  it  was  a  mat- 
ter of  personal  experience. 

It  is  to  be  acknowledged  that  his  sky  was  not  cloud- 
less. He  had  seasons  of  desertion  and  doubt,  when  dark 
clouds  obscured  his  prospects  of  heavenly  rest.  And 
yet,  in  these  seasons  of  the  hidings  of  his  Father's  coun- 
tenance, with  holy  confidence  he  trusted  in  the  Lord, 
and  stayed  himself  upon  God.  If  he  was  at  times  com- 
pelled to  express  his  feelings  in  the  language  of  the 
pensive  Psalmist,  "  Why  art  thou  cast  down,  O  my 
Boul  ?  and  why  art  thou  disquieted  within  me  ?"  he 
could  also  add,  "  Hope  thou  in  God,  for  I  shall  yet 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNE8, 


305 


praise  liim,  who  is  the  health  of  my  countenance  and 
my  God."  When  the  Sun  of  righteousness  shone,  his 
face  was  cheered  with  a  smile,  and  he  longed  to  depart 
and  to  be  with  Clirist  in  glory.  To  the  Rev.  Mr.  Clark, 
who  resided  in  the  vicinity,  and  often  visited  him  in  his 
last  sickness,  he  said,  "  I  have  been  examining  myself 
and  looking  back  upon  my  past  life,  but  I  can  find 
nothing  in  myself  and  nothing  in  all  my  past  services  to 
recommend  me  at  the  bar  of  Jehovah.  Christ  is  my  all. 
His  blood  is  my  only  hope  of  acceptance.  I  have  been 
praying  for  the  faith  of  assurance,  and  feel  that  I  have 
almost  attained  it.  My  pains  are  great ;  but,  blessed  be 
God,  they  are  not  eternal.  I  long  to  be  in  heaven. 
Oil !  what  blessed  company  will  be  there  !  I  shall  there 
see  not  only  many  great  and  good  men  whom  I  have 
seen  and  loved  on  the  earth,  but  I  shall  there  see  Henry, 
and  Scott,  and  Guise,  and  Owen !  I  shall  see  Abra- 
ham, and  the  prophets,  and  apostles,  in  the  kingdom  of 
glory  !  These  men  I  have  revered  on  the  earth,  and 
hope  to  see  and  converse  with  them  in  yonder  brighter 
world." 

The  visits  of  his  ministerial  brethren  were  peculiarly 
refreshing  to  him.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Whiton,  of  Salem, 
his  beloved  and  intimate  friend,  visiting  him,  said, 
"  You  have  a  claim  upon  me.  I  have  left  my  sick 
people  to  come  and  see  you.  Shall  I  stay  by  you  ?" 
"  Oh !  yes,"  said  Mr.  Haynes,  "  I  want  your  company 
to  all  eternity.  Do  pray  for  me."  His  daughter  hav- 
ing in  her  hand  Janeway's  "  Best  Friend  in  the  Worst 
Times,"  he  requested  Mr.  Whiton  to  read  the  conclu- 
sion. "  And  now  my  work  is  done.  I  must  leave  you  ; 
and  whether  I  shall  ever  again  see  you  or  speak  to  you, 
I  know  not.  My  body  is  frail,  and  I  am  a  poor  dying 
C  c  2 


306 


tIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OP 


man."  After  the  reading  was  closed,  Mr.  Haynes,  with 
great  earnestness,  said,  "  Isn't  that  good  ?  Isn't  that 
good  ?" 

"During  his  last  sickness  I  thought  it  my  duty," 
says  Rev.  Mr.  Wilson,  "  to  make  some  eflfort  to  minis- 
ter to  his  comfort,  and  to  relieve  the  temporal  wants  of 
his  family.  In  the  prosecution  of  my  work,  I  repeat- 
edly made  the  remark  that  it  was  pleasant  business ; 
everybody  was  so  ready  to  give  for  the  relief  of  Mr. 
Haynes.  On  carrying  to  him  the  collection  we  had 
made,  he  received  it  very  thankfully,  saying,  '  I  beheve 
the  Lord  has  sent  you.'  I  inquired  of  him  respecting 
his  hope  in  Christ.  He  very  feelingly  replied,  '  I  know 
in  whom  I  have  believed,  and  I  am  not  afraid  to  trust 
myself  in  his  hands.' " 

"  At  another  time,  finding  him  exercised  with  consid- 
erable pain,  I  asked  him  whether  he  enjoyed  the  satis- 
faction of  a  heart  submissive  to  God.  He  immediately 
replied,  '  I  have  been  preaching  love  to  God  and  sub- 
mission to  his  will  for  almost  fifty  years,  and  I  have  no 
idea  of  undoing  what  I  have  been  trying  to  do  almost 
my  whole  life.'" 

Some  months  previous  to  his  last  sickness,  it  was  no- 
ticed by  his  family,  that  in  prayer-meetings  and  family 
worship  he  often  read  the  63d  Psalm  of  Watts. 

"'Twas  in  the  watches  of  the  night, 
I  thought  upon  thy  power, 
I  kept  thy  lovely  face  in  sight 
Aniid  the  darkest  hour. 

"  My  flesh  lay  resting  on  my  bed, 
My  soul  arose  on  high, 
'My  God,  my  life,  my  hope,'  I  said, 
'  Bring  thy  salvation  nigh.' " 

During  his  protracted  and  painful  ilbess,  wlien 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


307 


"  months  of  vanity  and  wearisome  nights  were  appoint- 
ed vmto  him,"  llie  stanzas  of  this  dehghtful  psalm  were 
his  solace  in  the  night-watches.  To  those  who  had  at- 
tended him  through  the  night,  he  often  said  in  the  morn- 
ing, "What  a  happy  night  I  have  had  !  What  mani- 
festations of  God's  love  to  my  soul  !" 

Some  days  previous  to  his  death,  a  conversation, 
never  to  be  forgotten,  occurred  between  him  and  one  of 
his  sons.  The  subject  was — eternity !  On  such  a 
theme,  it  is  easy  to  conceive  that  a  train  of  solemn  and 
highly  interesting  thoughts  would  pass  from  such  a  fa- 
ther to  his  son.  At  length  the  son  said  to  him,  "  Fa- 
ther, is  death  a  terror  to  you  ?"  He  was  not  surprised 
at  the  question.  With  a  benignant  smile,  and  with  that 
peace  that  passeth  all  understanding,  he  replied,  "  Sam- 
uel, it  has  been  rising  of  fifty  years  since  I  have  been 
preparing  for  this,  and  do  you  think  I  shall  now  shrink 
back  ?  No — no  !"  He  then  repeated  his  favourite  lines 
from  Gospel  Sonnets. 

"  Dost  know  the  place,  the  spot  of  ground,"  dec. 

Throughout  his  sickness,  there  was  manifested  a 
sweet  sense  of  obligation  for  the  kindness  and  care  of 
his  family  and  friends  about  him.  Respecting  a  sister 
in  the  church,  whose  repeated  calls  affected  him  even 
to  tears,  he  said,  "  What  an  excellent  woman  !  '  I  was 
sick  and  ye  visited  me.'  "  To  her  two  little  daughters, 
who  were  often  in  attendance,  manifesting  their  sympa- 
thy and  care,  he  said,  "  May  the  Lord  bless  these  kind 
children  !  May  the  Lord  bless  them  with  salvation .'" 
To  his  family,  whose  tenderness  could  not  be  exceeded, 
he  often  said,  "  I  fear  I  am  troublesome,"  and  wept 
under  a  srateful  sense  of  their  kindness. 


308 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OP 


Morning  and  evening  worship,  as  it  had  been  con- 
ducted in  his  family,  was  in  some  sense  a  foretaste  of 
heavenly  joys.  The  last  time  he  led  the  family  to  the 
throne  of  grace  was  within  eight  days  of  his  decease, 
and  in  a  sitting  posture  in  his  study.  He  enjoyed  his 
usual  enlargement,  praying  very  fervently  not  only  for 
his  wife  and  children,  but  for  the  beloved  church  under 
his  care,  and  especially  for  the  impenitent  of  all  classes. 

He  was  now  rapidly  wasting  away,  and  ripening  for 
the  world  of  glory.  One  morning  as  he  awoke,  he  said, 
"  Oh,  my  dear  wife,  what  a  night  of  consolation  I  have 
enjoyed !  What  divine  manifestations  !  Oh,  I  am 
well !"  He  sometimes  called  his  family  together,  and 
requested  them  to  sing  the  hymn  entitled  Night 
Thoughts. 

"  How  can  1  sleep  while  angels  sing, 
And  all  the  saints  on  high,"  &c. 

A  great  part  of  the  time  he  lay  apparently  in  a  state 
of  insensibility.  Once,  after  lying  some  hours  in  this 
condition,  he  noticed  in  the  room  his  daughter  who 
was  not  a  professor  of  religion.  Beckoning  her  to  his 
bedside,  he  took  her  by  the  hand,  and  as  he  spake  to 
her  in  whispers,  she  wept  much.  She  said  to  him, 
"  Father,  pray  for  me  after  you  get  to  Heaven."  Sud- 
denly a  kind  of  holy  indignation  seemed  to  kindle  in  his 
features,  and  he  said,  "  No  !  no  !  no  !"  expressing  great 
displeasure  at  the  unscriptural  suggestion. 

On  Thursday,  two  days  before  his  death,  having  lain 
quietly  through  the  day,  he  requested  one  of  his  daugh- 
ters to  come  to  his  bedside,  when  he  thus  exclaimed, — 
"  What  wonderful  views  I  have  had  this  day  !  I  have 
been  brought  to  the  borders  of  the  grave.    Oh !  what 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


309 


views  !  Wonderful !  Wonderful !  W^onderful !  I  have 
heard  singing.  Oh  !  how  wonderful !  I  am  well.  Glory 
ineffable  !"    He  often  repeated  the  following  stanza  : — 

"  Now  let  me  rise  and  join  the  song, 
'  And  be  an  angel  too ; 

My  heart,  my  hands,  my  ear,  my  tongue, 
Here's  joyful  work  for  you." 

Two  days  before  his  death,  a  pious  lady,  solicitous 
to  know  the  feelings  of  the  dying  saint,  said  to  him, 
"  Mr.  Haynes,  how  do  you  feel  ?"  Raising  his  hand, 
and  striking  several  times  significantly  on  his  breast,  he 
replied  in  a  whisper,  for  his  voice  had  now  failed, — 
"  Happy !  happy !  happy  !"  and  then  stretched  his 
hands  upward,  as  if  longing  to  depart. 

On  the  last  day  of  his  life,  after  he  had  seemed  ac- 
tually to  have  entered  the  dark  valley,  he  suddenly  re- 
vived, and  exclaimed  with  an  air  of  transport, — "  Oh  ! 
what  beauties  I  have  seen  !  Glories  of  the  other  world  ! 
What  joys  do  I  feel !  I  have  seen  the  Saviour  !"  He 
remained  in  this  state  of  inward  peace  and  triumph. 
Now,  as  he  was  lingering  on  the  verge  of  heaven,  he 
was  heard  to  say,  "  I  love  my  wife,  I  love  my  children, 
but  I  love  my  Saviour  better  than  all." 

At  half  past  three  o'clock,  on  the  28th  of  September, 
he  fell  asleep,  and  one  more  was  added  to  that  great 
multitude  which  no  man  could  number,  who  stand  be- 
fore the  Lamb,  clothed  in  white  robes,  and  palms  in 
their  hands.  Not  a  murmur  could  be  uttered  by  sur- 
rounding relatives.  God  had  done  all  things  well.  His 
servant  had  "  come  to  his  grave  in  a  full  age,  like  as  a 
shock  of  corn  cometh  in  in  his  season." 

"  He  taught  us  how  to  live,  and  ah,  too  high 
The  price  of  knowledge,  taught  us  how  to  die." 


310 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


Extract  of  a  letter  from  his  son  Samuel  to  his  brother 
William : — 

Dear  Brother, 

*  *  All  is  over.  Our  beloved  father  is  no  more. 
May  every  murmur  be  hushed.  Has  not  the  Lord 
been  gracious  in  that  he  has  continued  our  father  so 
long  ?  We  have  heard  his  admonitions  for  many  years 
— have  been  blessed  with  his  society  and  prayers.  Our 
father  was  happy  in  death  ;  his  sun  set  clear.  I  could 
not  forbear  calhng  to  mind  the  expressive  lines  of 
Waller  — 

"  His  soul's  weak  cottage,  tattered  and  decayed, 
Let  in  new  light  through  chinks  disease  had  made." 

He  could  say  but  little  to  us — admonished  us  to  walk 
in  the  ways  of  wisdom — live  in  love — implored  the  God 
of  peace  to  be  with  us. 

Your  affectionate  brother, 

Samuel. 

from  his  daughter  electa. 

*  *  *  I  have  seen  lonely  hours,  and  had  painful 
feelings — mourning  the  loss  of  a  dear  father,  who  was 
our  best  friend.  I  stood  over  him,  and  heard  his  dying 
admonitions.  He  said  to  me,  "  Electa,  peace  be  with 
you,  and  the  God  of  peace  bless  you."  Oh,  precious 
words  !  I  often  think  of  them  with  tears.  And  were 
they  heard  in  heaven  ?  And  will  the  blessing  of  God 
rest  on  worthless  me  ?  Did  not  my  dear  father  die  in 
a  good  old  age  ?  Was  he  not  gathered  to  his  people  ? 
Has  he  not  longed  to  see  the  good  old  patriarchs  ? — the 
beloved  Baxter  ? — Watts  ? — Church  ? — with  innumera- 
ble brethren  in  the  ministry  ? — the  incomparable  Ains- 
worlh  ?  as  you  heard  him  often  mention.  When  I  was 
wiping  the  sweat  off  from  his  face,  he  said  to  me,  "  Oh, 
remember  these  things.''  These  words  shall  I  ever 
forget  ?  His  mind  continued  sound — his  understanding 
clear.  I  think  in  theology  it  excelled.  Truly  he  died 
the  death  of  the  righteous.  His  Maker  kissed  his  soul 
away.    In  this  room  I  have  often  mot  with  him  in 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


prayer.  Often,  while  watching  with  him,  he  said,  ''  ^^"e 
will  pray."  The  last  time  I  attempted  to  pray  with 
our  dear  father  was  when  he  was  dying.  I  kneeled  by 
the  side  of  his  bed  as  he  desired.  It  was  pleasing  to 
pray  once  more  with  our  dear  father.  He  appeared 
sensible  of  what  was  uttered. 

Your  sister  with  affection. 

During  his  long  iUness,  the  people  of  his  pastoral 
charge  paid  him  the  most  affectionate  and  respectful 
attentions.  His  brethren  in  the  ministry  were  constant- 
ly resorting  to  his  house,  to  make  inquiries  respecting 
his  situation,  to  administer  the  consolations  of  the  gos- 
pel, or  to  catch  the  faUing  mantle  of  the  departing  saint. 

His  funeral  was  attended  on  the  following  Monday, 
when  a  large  concourse  of  people  and  several  ministers 
of  the  gospel  convened.  The  Reverend  David  Wilson 
led  m  prayer  before  the  corpse  was  removed  from  the 
dwelling.  The  puWic  sen'ices  at  the  church  began  by 
singing  the  75th  hymn  of  the  2d  book  of  Watts, 
which  had  been  selected  by  a  favourite  grandchild  of 
the  deceased.  The  Reverend  John  Whiton  preached 
a  sermon  adapted  to  the  mournful  occasion,  from  Phil, 
i.,  23 :  "  For  I  am  in  a  strait  betwixt  two,  having  a  de- 
sire to  depart  and  to  be  with  Christ,  which  is  far  bet- 
ter." The  Reverend  Mr.  Drur\'  gave  a  brief  sketch  of 
the  life  and  character  of  the  deceased.  The  hvmn 
composed  by  the  deceased  was  sung  agreeably  to  his 
request.  And  they  took  up  the  body,  and  went  and 
buried  it. 

The  following  record  was  entered  on  the  minutes  of 
the  Rutland  Consociation  : — 

"Whereas  Rev.  Lemuel  Haynes  has  been  connected 
with  this  Consociation  from  its  organization,  and  has 


312 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


laboured  long  and  usefully  in  the  service  of  our  Sav- 
iour ;  and  whereas  he  has  been  called  during  the  past 
year,  as  we  trust,  to  his  crown  in  heaven ; 

"  Resolved,  That  we  affectionately  cherish  his  mem- 
ory, and  record  on  our  minutes  this  tribute  of  our  re- 
spect." 

At  his  grave  a  plain  marble  monument  is  erected, 
with  a  brief  inscription.  It  was  not  known  to  his 
friends  at  the  lime  of  its  erection,  that,  although  he  had 
left  but  few  records  of  his  life,  yet  he  had  left,  in  his 
own  handwriting,  the  following  inscription  for  his  tomb- 
stone, prepared  probably  when  he  was  in  the  meridian 
of  his  days  : — 

"  An  epitaph  to  be  put  upon  my  tombstone. 

"  Here  lies  the  dust  of  a  poor  hell-deserving 
sinner,  who  ventured  into   eternity  trusting 

WHOLLY  ON  THE  MERITS  OF  ChRIST  FOR  SALVATION. 
In  the  FULL  BELIEF  OF  THE  GREAT  DOCTRINES  HE 
PREACHED  WHILE  ON  EARTH,  HE  INVITES  HIS  CHIL- 
DREN, AND  ALL  WHO  READ  THIS,  TO  TRUST  THEIR 
ETERNAL  INTEREST  ON  THE  SAME  FOUNDATION. 

"  LEMUEL  HAYNES," 

"who  died" 
September  28th,  1833. 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


313 


LOVE  IN  DEATH. 

'  "  I  love  my  wife,  I  love  my  children,  but  1  love  my  Saviour  better  than 
all." — Dying  testimony  of  Rat.  Lemuel  Haynes. 

The  following  lines  were  kindly  furnished  for  this  volume 
by  Miss  A.  D.  Woodbridge. 

'Twas  silent  all  around  that  dying  bed, 

Tho'  to  its  deepest  source  the  fount  of  ihouglit 

Within  each  heart  was  stirred. 

Prostrate  there  lay 
The  man  of  God,  who  to  his  Master's  work 
Had  gone  unceasing  forth,  while  time  rolled  on, 
Full  half  a  hundred  years.    Ay,  longer  still. 
He  had  not  ceased  to  cry,  to  lift  the  voice. 
And  show  the  people  tiieir  traiisgre.ssions  all  ; 
And  then  to  point  to  .lesus  as  the  v\-ay. 
The  truth,  and  life,  for  erring,  sinful  man. 

'Twas  silent  all !  for  there  was  heard  no  voice 
Of  wailing  or  remorse  :  No  half-formed  prayers 
For  mercy,  slighted  long — no  fruitless  plea 
To  the  destroying  angel.    Not  a  sigh 
Escaped  those  lips ;  and  on  that  reverend  brow 
No  cloud  was  darkly  brooding.    No!  his  eye 
Was  bright,  e'en  now,  as  if  it  caught  a  ray 
Of  heavenly  glory  ;  and  his  ear  seemed  tm-ned 
To  catch  the  rustling  of  that  angel's  wing, 
Who  came  to  bear  him  to  his  far-olf  home. 
Where  God  unveils  his  glory  ; — where  the  hosts 
Of  blissful  spirits  bow,  and  strike  with  joy, 
With  bliss  unutterable,  their  golden  harps  ! 

He  knew  that  soon  the  messenger  would  come — 
He  felt  his  work  was  ended.    On  his  soul 
Press'd  heavily  the  wejfjht  of  fourscore  years: 
And  soon,  ah!  soon,  he  knew  the  silver  cord 
Of  life  would  p-ut  asriiiik  r.    \'et.  e'en  now, 
He  felt  his  anchor  sure,  and  calmly  he 
Had  laid  him  down  to  die. 

'Twas  silent  all ! 
Saxe  now  and  then  a  stifled  sob  of  grief, 
Or  half-check'd  sigh,  told  of  the  swelling  hearts 
Who  formed  thai  sorrowing  group.  They  press'd  around 
To  gaze  once  more,  as  if  upon  the  wreck 
Of  their  long-cherished  hopes  : — to  meet  once  more 
D  d 


314 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER  OF 


Affection's  fondest  glance.    'Twas  then  his  eye 
Was  dimmed  with  tear-drops,  as  he  looked  on  each 
Among  that  household  band.    'Twas  then  a  shade 
Pass'd  o'er  his  wasted  features,  and  the  chords 
Of  strong  affection  stirr'd  within  his  breast. 
Yet  even  then  he  asked  not  longer  life, 
But  gently  raised  iiis  hand,  as  to  invoke 
A  parting  blessing — looked  once  more  on  all, 
And  then  exclaimed,  "  I  love  my  wife  full  well, — 
1  love  my  children  dear, — but  more  than  all. 
Far  more,  I  love  my  Saviour  !" 

This  was  love  ! — 

Love  even  unto  death. 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


315 


REMINISCENCES  OF  THE  LATE  REV.  LEMUEL 
HAYNES.    BY  A  FRIEND.^ 

I  My  acquaintance  with  this  extraordinary  man  com- 
menced in  the  autmnn  of  1819.  He  was  tiien  the 
minister  of  the  Congi-egational  church  in  Manchester, 

I  Vermont,  and  about  sixty-four  years  of  age.  I  had 
heard  much  of  his  eccentricities  for  many  years,  and 
his  celebrity,  as  the  successful  antagonist  of  Ballou 
(the  champion  of  universalism),  had  awakened  my 
curiosity  to  see  him. 

Being  called  to  minister  to  a  neighbouring  congre- 
gation, my  curiosity  was  no  sooner  gratified  than  it  be- 
gan to  be  lost  in  the  intimacies  of  a  Christian  friend- 
ship, which  continued  without  interruption,  excepting 
by  our  removal  to  more  distant  fields  of  labour,  during 
the  remainder  of  his  days.  For  several  years  he  was 
my  neighbour,  my  friend,  and  one  of  the  most  esteem- 
ed and  venerated  counsellors  of  my  youth  in  the  minis- 
try. My  recollections  of  him  are,  of  course,  mingled 
with  a  feeling  of  affectionate  respect  for  his  character 
as  a  whole,  which  merges  the  prejudices  of  taste,  and 
throws  an  air  of  comeliness  over  the  person  even  of 
my  departed  and  venerated  friend.  I  feel  incompetent 
to  do  justice  to  his  rare  and  varied  excellences.  Yet 
the  existing  social  disabilities  of  the  African  race  in 
this  country  are  such,  that  it  seems  especially  incum- 
bent on  U3  to  hold  up,  as  encouragements  to  the  de- 
pressed and  neglected,  tlie  example  of  those  few  indi- 

*  Bev.  Dr.  Peters,  of  New  York. 


316 


REMINISCENCES  OF  THE  LATE 


viduals  who,  by  the  force  of  native  talent  and  the 
grace  of  God,  have  been  enabled  to  overcome  all  the 
embarrassments  of  their  condition,  and  to  attain  to  a 
degree  of  intellectual  and  moral  culture,  which  places 
them  in  the  highest  circles  of  respectability  and  useful- 
ness. .Such  examples  are  doubly  interesting  to  the 
philanthropist  and  the  Christian.  They  cast  their  ra- 
diance onward,  like  the  dawn  of  the  morning,  and  indi- 
cate the  coming  of  that  day  when,  in  answer  to  the 
prayers  of  the  church,  and  the  patient  endeavours  of 
the  benevolent,  all  "  the  oppressed  shall  go  free,"  and 
*'  Ethiopia  shall  stretch  out  her  hands  unto  God." 

He  was  cheerful  and  amiable  in  his  intercourse  ; 
and  though  often,  and  most  naturally  facetious,  he 
-vas  manifestly  guarded  by  a  disciplined  conscience 
against  excessive  indulgence  in  mirth,  and  possessed 
the  rare  talent  of  mingling  with  his  wit  and  repartee 
the  solemn  admonitions  of  principle.  His  facetious- 
ness,  indeed,  seemed  a  near  neighbour  to  his  piety ; 
and  while  the  former  was  chastened  by  the  latter, 
itself  was,  in  return,  rendered  more  attractive  by  its 
association  with  the  former.  His  conversation,  there- 
fore, seldom  failed  to  be  instructive  and  profitable,  as 
Avell  as  amusing.  His  manners,  though  respectful, 
were  free,  and  usually  unembarrassed.  They  were 
also  plain  and  antiquated,  the  relics  of  a  former  age, 
but  slightly  modified  by  the  refinements  of  the  present ; 
and  the  style  of  his  thinking  and  of  his  remarks,  both 
in  conversation  and  in  writing,  would  often  remind  one 
of  the  days  of  Cotton  Matlier  and  the  "  Magn  ha 
Americana.''^ 

His  memory  was  remarkably  tenacious  of  what  lie 
had  seen,  heard,  and  read ;  and  having  had  access  to  but 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYNES. 


317 


few  books,*  he  seemed  to  have  devoured  them  all,  and 
to  have  stored  his  mind  with  the  whole  of  what  they 
contained.  He  had  studied  the  Latin,  and  was  apt  and 
ready  in  quotations  from  the  authors  he  had  read  in  this 
language.  He  was  also  familiar  with  the  Greek  of  the 
New  Testament ;  and  by  the  study  of  such  commenta- 
ries as  he  was  able  to  procure,  he  had  enriched  the 
storehouse  of  his  memory  with  much  of  the  learning  of 
Pool,  Henry,  and  others.  He  had  read  Edwards,  and 
Bellamy,  and  Hopkins,  and  was  familiar  with  their 
leading  views,  though  not  able  to  possess  their  works. 
Having  indeed,  as  we  have  already  intimated,  but  few 
books  upon  his  shelf,  his  memory  was  his  librarv'-,  stored 
with  a  rich  variety  of  knowledge,  not  arranged  with 
much  apparent  system,  yet  each  portion  of  it,  familiar 
to  himself,  was  ever  ready  at  his  call  when  occasions 
demanded  its  use. 

His  mind  also  was  active  and  fruitful  in  invention, 
and  in  the  combinations  of  thought  he  was  eminently 
original.  Limited  in  his  reading  to  a  narrow  range,  he 
was  accustomed,  in  his  preparations  for  the  pulpit,  to 
depend  especially  upon  the  study  of  the  Bible,  with 
which  he  had  cultivated  a  familiarity  equalled  by  few, 
and  surpassed  by  no  one  whom  I  have  ever  known. 
His  theology  was  accordingly  in  a  high  degree  biblical ; 
and,  as  a  consequence  of  this,  both  his  piety  and  his 
teaching  were  simple  and  unencumbered.  He  studied 
his  sermons  with  care,  but  seldom  wrote  them.  His 
notes  for  the  desk  were  a  brief  skeleton  of  what  he  in- 
tended to  say.  In  the  filling  up  of  this  outline,  he  felt 
and  exhibited  the  entire  freedom  of  an  extemporaneous 

*  His  library  consisted  of  behveen  three  and  four  hundred  select  books. 

Dd2 


318 


REMINISCENCES  OF  THE  LATE 


speaker,  and  turned  with  readiness  and  rapidity  to  tlie 
numerous  passages  of  Scripture  with  which  tlie  many- 
parts  of  his  discourse  were  at  once  hnked  together  and 
rendered  replete  with  divine  instruction.  Asa  preacher, 
therefore,  he  commanded  attention,  and  was  always 
heard  with  interest.  The  topics  of  his  discourses  were 
strictly  evangelical,  and  less  various  than  they  probably 
would  have  been  under  a  different  training ;  but  his  il- 
lustrations of  truth  were  eyer-changing,  novel,  and  stri- 
king, while  his  replies  to  the  objections  of  infidelity  and 
the  cavils  of  skepticism  were  often  pointed  and  polislied 
witli  the  keenest  irony  and  the  most  felicitous  wit.  His 
discussions  were  thus  rendered  no  less  entertaining  than 
instructive,  and,  though  he  seldom  held  a  congi-egation 
long  without  producing  a  smile,  eidier  by  the  quaintness 
of  his  manner  or  the  piquancy  of  his  remarks,  the  pre- 
dominant influence  of  liis  preaching  was  to  produce  so- 
lemnily  of  feeling  and  deep  conviction  of  tmth.  His 
eccentricities  would  have  been  faults  in  any  other  man, 
but  in  him  they  were  so  inherent  and  essential  to  his 
character,  and  his  wit  was  so  spontaneous,  and  came,  as 
it  were,  without  his  bidding,  that  they  ncitlier  interrupt- 
ed the  current  of  his  own  piety,  nor  often  weakened  the 
religious  influence  of  his  discourses  upon  others. 

It  is  apparent,  then,  that  Mr.  Haynes  was  at  once  a 
most  eccentric  and  interesting  man.  Born  under  the 
embarrassments  of  illegitimacy,  having  been,  in  the  most 
condemning  sense  of  that  penitential  expression  of  the 
Psalmist,  "  shapen  in  iniquity,"  he  was  nevertheless 
endowed  by  his  Maker  with  talents  of  a  high  order,  and 
was  early  made  a  subject  of  that  grace  whicli  redeems 
from  all  sin,  and  translates  its  trophies  from  the  power 
of  Satan  unto  God.    Thus  redeemed  and  regenerated, 


REV.  LEMUEL  HAYXES. 


319 


lie  left  the  paths  of  infamy  in  uliich  his  unnatural  pa- 
rents had  forsaken  him,  and,  under  the  kind  hand  of  a 
jjrotecting  Father  in  heaven,  he  was  trained  to  fill  a 
^jiliere  of  distinction  and  usefulness  to  which  few  com- 
}iaratively  of  the  saints  of  God  on  earth  are  advanced, 
lie  was  an  able  and  faitliful  minister  of  the  New  Tes- 
tament, whose  profiting  appeared  unto  all.  His  learn- 
ing as  well  as  his  talents  commanded  the  respect  of  the 
intelligent,  and  his  unassuming  and  amiable  piety  se- 
cured the  confidence  of  both  the  good  and  the  bad.  His 
very  colour,  which  marks  the  neglect  and  servitude  of 
his  race  in  this  country,  associated,  as  it  was  in  the 
subject  of  these  remarks,  with  his  high  qualifications  to 
entertain  and  instruct,  became  the  means  of  increasing 
ills  celebrity  and  enlarging  the  sphere  of  his  influence. 
Among  strangers  it  attracted  crowds  to  hear  him,  and 
even  where  his  labours  were  statedly  enjoyed,  it  se- 
cured the  attention  of  some  who  were  holden  by  curios- 
itv,  until  conscience  became  permanently  awakened,  and 
they  were  bound  by  stronger  and  better  ties  to  the  priv- 
ileges of  the  sanctuary.  He  was  accordingly  every- 
where respected  for  his  works'  sake,  and  highly  honour- 
ed by  his  brethren  in  the  ministry.  His  memor)'  is  still 
precious  to  the  several  churches  which  he  served  during 
a  period  of  nearly  half  a  century,  and  few  of  the  watch- 
men of  Israel  have  been  called  from  their  stations  on 
earth  with  better  hopes  of  receiving  "many  souls  in 
glory  as  the  crowns  of  their  rejoicing." 


APPENDIX 


As  the  wish  has  been  expressed  by  many  that  this 
work  may  contain  as  much  of  llie  writings  of  Mr. 
Haynes  as  practicable,  the  following  selections  from 
his  printed  sermons  are  appended,  viz  : — 

A  FUNERAL  SERMON: 

ENTITLED, 

Tlie  important  concerns  of  ?ninistcrs  and  the  people 
of  their  charge  at  the  day  of  judgment ;  illustrated 
in  a  sermon,  delivered  at  Rutland,  Orange  Society, 
at  the  intcr?ncnt  of  the  Rev.  Abraham  Carpenter, 
their  vcortliy  pastor. 

1  Thess.  ii.,  19. — "  For  ichat  is  our  hope,  or  joy,  or 
crown  of  rejoicing  ?  Are  not  even  ye  in  the  presence 
of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  at  his  coming 

The  second  coming  of  Christ  is  a  source  of  peculiar 
joy  and  consolation  to  tlie  people  of  God ;  it  is  a  day 
in  which  their  hopes  and  expectations  will  be  fully  an- 
swered. Tribulation  attends  the  good  man  while  in 
this  life ;  the  scenes  of  divine  Providence  are  mysteri- 
ous, and  many  things  unaccountable  and  insignificant 
without  a  day  of  judgment ;  they  will  then  be  explain- 
ed and  adjusted,  to  the  joy  and  admiration  of  all  who 
love  Christ's  appearing.  Many  of  the  events  that  take 
place  in  this  life  stand  in  a  solemn  relation  to  the  judg- 
ment day,  and  none  more  so  than  the  gospel  ministry  ; 
hence  it  is  that  the  attention  of  the  true  sen'ants  of 
Christ  is  so  much  taken  up  with  a  future  state.  St. 


322 


APPENDIX. 


Paul,  being  detained  from  the  church  of  Thessaloiiica, 
sends  this  epistle  as  a  token  of  his  love  and  respect  to 
them  ;  in  which  he  anticipates  that  blessed  period  when 
he  should  meet  them  at  the  bar  of  Christ,  which  would 
alford  such  joy  and  satisfaction  as  to  more  than  com- 
pensate for  all  their  sorrow,  more  especially  for  his  be- 
ing prevented  a  personal  interview  with  those  to  whom 
he  wrote.  "  For  what  is  our  hojje,  or  joy,  or  crown  of 
rejoicing  1  Are  not  even  ye  in  the  j)resence  of  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ  at  his  coining?"  We  have  two 
very  important  ideas  suggested  in  the  words.  One  is, 
that  mnusters  and  their  people  must  meet  each  other  at 
the  day  of  judgment.  The  second  is,  that  although 
ministers  are  often  separated  from  their  hearers  in  this 
life,  yet  the  people  of  God  among  whom  a  pious 
preacher  finishes  his  work  will  be  a  cause  or  crown  of 
peculiar  joy  and  satisfaction  at  the  second  coming  of 
Christ. 

With  respect  to  the  first  point,  we  may  observe,  to 
give  us  a  striking  contrast  between  this  and  the  coming 
world,  we  are  in  the  present  slate  subject  to  many  vi- 
cissitudes. 

What  changes  are  taking  place  in  empires,  states, 
societies,  and  families  !  In  nothing  is  this  more  ob- 
servable than  in  matters  relating  to  ministers  and  the 
people  of  their  charge.  A  persecuting  spirit,  that  pre- 
vailed in  the  apostolic  age,  was  often  a  means  of  part- 
ing friends,  and  especially  of  driving  preachers  from 
churches.  The  same  cause  has  had  influence  in  every 
age  of  the  church  ;  but  if  religious  societies  are  so  hap- 
py as  to  escape  such  a  calamity,  yet  it  pleases  the  Great 
Head  of  the  church,  in  his  sovereign  wisdom,  to  sep- 
arate ministers  and  their  people  by  death ;  this  gives 
feeling  to  a  pious  preacher,  and  in  some  degree  has  in- 
fluence in  every  sermon  he  delivers.  That  all  mankind 
will  be  collected  before  the  bar  of  Christ,  to  see  the 
great  and  intricate  afl'airs  of  the  universe  adjusted,  is  a 
plain  dictate  of  reason  and  Scripture ;  but  that  many 
will  meet  there  as  having  mutual  concerns  with  each 
other,  is  evident.    More  especially  ministers  and  the 


APPEXDIX. 


323 


people  once  comniilted  lo  their  charge  doubtless  will 
appear  in  some  sense  as  distinct  societies,  as  having 
particular  and  personal  matters  to  attend  to.  This 
supposes  that  they  will  have  a  knowledge  of  each  oth- 
er ;  for  without  this,  the  purposes  of  their  meeting  in 
such  a  manner  could  not  be  answered.  How  far  this 
will  extend,  or  by  what  means  it  will  be  conveyed,  is 
too  curious  to  inquire.  It  seems,  unless  we  are  able 
bv  some  means  to  distineuisii  those  from  others  with 
whom  we  have  been  intimate  in  this  life,  the  designs 
of  a  future  judgment  will  in  some  measure  be  frustra- 
ted. The  great  end  of  that  day  is  to  illustrate  divine 
truth,  or  make  that  appear  conspicuous  to  created  intel- 
ligence. To  effect  this,  God  will  make  use  of  mankind 
as  instruments ;  this  is  the  method  he  takes  in  this  life, 
nnd  doubtless  it  will  be  most  eligible  in  the  world  to 
come.  For  our  acquaintance  to  be  summoned  as  wit- 
nesses for  or  against  us  at  this  court,  Avill  perhaps  be 
llie  best  means  to  administer  conviction.  In  this  way 
the  great  God  can  speak  in  language  easy  for  finite 
creatures  to  understand.  One  design  of  the  world  be- 
ing divided  into  distinct  societies  and  communities,  is 
doubtless  to  prepare  matters  for  the  day  of  judgment. 
The  relation  between  ministers  and  people  is  such  as 
renders  them  capable  of  saying  much  about  each  other; 
in  this  wav  the  justice  and  mercy  of  God  will  be  illus- 
trated. Divine  proceedings  vindicated,  and  every  mouth 
stopped.  It  is  our  conduct  in  this  life  that  will  direct 
Divine  proceeding  towards  us  at  the  final  judgment ; 
that  the  equity  of  God's  administrations  may  appear, 
'lis  necessar\'  that  our  characters  be  clearly  investiga- 
ted. The  salvation  and  damnation  of  many  souls  will 
be  through  the  instrumentality  of  faithful  and  unfaithful 
watchmen  ;  this  is  an  idea  contained  in  the  charge  God 
pave  to  Ezekiel,  32d  chapter.  It  will  be  necessary 
that  the  motives  by  which  ministers  have  been  influ- 
enced in  their  work  be  brought  out  to  view ;  for  with- 
out sincerity  of  heart  they  can  never  execute  their  oflUce 
with  any  degree  of  true  faithfulness,  and  are  a  high  af- 
front to  God,  and  a  vile  imposition  on  the  people. 


324 


APPENDIX. 


At  the  clay  of  judgment  the  doctrines  willi  wliich  a 
minister  lias  entertained  his  hearers  must  be  examined. 
However  doctrinal  preaching  may  be  discarded  by 
many,  and  such  words  as  7neiapliysicul,  abstruse,  &c., 
are  often  made  use  of  to  obstruct  free  and  candid  in- 
([uiry  ;  yet  it  is  evident  that  one  great  end  of  the  gospel 
ministry  is  to  disseminate  rigJn  sentiments  ;  hence  it  is 
that  Paid  so  often  exhorts  Timothy  to  take  heed  to  his 
doctrine.  Sound  doctrine,  as  well  as  good  practice,  is 
)iccessary  to  constitute  the  Christian  character  :  "  Who- 
soever Iransgresselh,  and  abidelh  not  in  the  doctrine  of 
Christ,  hatl^not  God."— 2  John,  9.  ' 

A  careful  inquiry  will  be  made  whether  an  empty 
parade  of  learning,  elegance  of  style,  &c.,  have  been 
the  main  things  with  which  a  people  have  been  enter- 
tained, tending  only  to  gratify  vain  curiosity,  and  to  fix 
the  attention  of  the  hearers  On  the  speaker.  This  made 
St.  Paul  contemn  such  a  mode  of  preaching,  and  de- 
termine not  to  know  any  tliinir  save  Jesus  Christ,  and 
him  crucihed,  1  Cor.  ii.,  2.  Whether  vague,  equivocal 
expressions  have  been  used  to  convey,  or  rather  to  ob- 
scure the  truths  of  the  gospel,  by  which  any  thing  and 
almost  every  thing  may  be  understood.  This  is  caus- 
ing the  trumpet  to  give  an  uncertain  sound,  and  has  no 
tendency  to  impress  or  give  feeling  to  the  mind,  as  is 
the  case  with  the  words  of  the  wise,  being  as  goads 
and  nails,  Eccle.  xii.,  11.  Whether  to  please  men  has 
had  greater  influence  in  our  composing  and  delivering 
our  sermons  than  the  glory  of  (iod  and  the  good  of 
aouls.  People  will  be  examined  at  the  bar  of  Christ 
whether  they  have  not  been  dealt  plainly  with ;  been 
told  their  characters  and  danger;  t'lat  they  are  wholly 
opposed  to  (Tod,  destitute  of  every  thing  that  is  holy  or 
morally  good  ;  that  they  are  hy  nature  under  the  curse 
of  God's  law,  exposed  every  moment  to  endless  wo  ; 
that  they  are  hopeless  and  helpless  in  themselves ;  the 
necessity  of  the  renewing  influences  of  the  spirit ;  the 
nature  of  their  iinpolencc,  that  it  consists  in  an  evil 
heart;  that  therefore  they  are  altogether  inexcusable, 


1 


APPENmt. 


325 


and  arc  criminal  in  proportion  to  the  degree  of  their  ina- 
bihty ;  that  nothing  short  of  repentance  towards  God 
and  faith  in  the  Lord  Jesus  Clirist  is  the  immediate 
duty  of  all  that  hear  the  gospel. 

Ministers  and  their  people  must  meet  before  the 
judgment-seat  of  Christ,  to  give  an  account  whether 
the  true  character  of  God  has  in  any  good  measure 
been  investigated ;  as  a  sin-hating  and  sin-revenging 
God. 

Without  this  the  character  of  God  is  kept  out  of 
sight,  people  left  in  the  dark,  and  are  not  able  to  deter- 
mine whether  they  love  or  hate  the  true  God. 

It  must  be  known  whether  people  have  had  the  char- 
acter and  work  of  the  Redeemer  set  before  them ;  the 
design  of  his  sufferings,  the  efficacy  of  his  blood,  and 
the  necessity  of  our  union  to  him.  The  manner  in 
which  divine  truth  has  been  delivered  will  be  a  matter 
worthy  of  serious  examination  at  that  day ;  whether 
with  that  earnestness  and  fervour  becoming  the  vast 
importance  and  solemnity  of  gospel  truth,  tending  to 
affect  the  mind.  The  deportment  or  examples  of  min- 
isters among  their  people  will  be  closely  attended  to  ; 
their  private  visits,  exhortations,  and  reproofs,  holy  de- 
sires and  wrestlings  for  the  souls  of  their  hearers,  will 
not  escape  public  notice ;  the  improvement  that  people 
have  made  of  such  advantages  will  be  brought  into 
public  view. 

How  often  people  have  attended  on  the  minislratiorj 
of  the  word,  and  the  manner  how,  will  be  matters  of 
serious  concern  at  the  judgment  day.  Those  excuses 
that  men  make  for  neglecting  public  worship  will  be 
weighed  in  a  just  scale.  Whether  people  have  so  far 
contributed  to  the  temporal  support  of  their  ministers 
as  to  enable  them  to  devote  themselves  to  the  service 
of  Christ ;  or,  by  too  great  neglect,  have  not  obstructed 
the  gospel,  robbed  God,  wounded  their  own  souls. 

It  will  be  useful  that  the  time  of  a  minister's  contin- 
uance among  a  people  be  known,  as  it  will  serve  to  set 
he  characters  of  gospel  despisers  in  a  true  point  of 
light.    That  ministers  and  the  people  of  their  charge 
Ee 


326 


APPENDIX. 


will  meet  each  other  at  the  bar  of  Christ,  is  suggested 
in  my  text,  and  in  other  parts  of  the  sacred  writings. 
It  has  already  been  observed  that  in  this  way  truth  will 
appear  conspicuous,  and  the  conduct  of  God  will  be 
vindicated,  and  the  designs  of  a  judgment  day  in  the 
best  manner  answered.  It  may  further  be  observed, 
that  the  matters  relating  to  the  gospel  ministry  are  of 
such  magnitude  that  it  appears  important  that  they  be 
attended  to  ;  they  concern  a  judgment  day  and  an  eter- 
nal stale.  When  ministers  and  people  meet  in  the 
house  of  God,  it  is  an  acknowledgment  that  they  be- 
lieve in  a  future  state  of  retribution,  and  is  a  sort  of 
appeal  to  the  day  of  judgment.  The  influence  of  a 
faithful  or  unfaithful  minister  is  such  as  to  affect  un- 
born ages ;  it  will  commonly  determine  the  sentiments 
and  characters  of  their  successors,  and  in  this  way  they 
may  be  doing  good  or  evil  after  they  are  dead,  and  even 
to  the  second  coming  of  Christ.  That  God's  hatred 
towards  false  teachers,  and  against  those  who  choose 
them,  together  with  their  criminality,  may  appear,  it 
will  be  necessary  that  these  matters  be  laid  open  at 
the  tribunal  of  Christ.  As  a  proof  of  the  matter  under 
consideration,  I  may  only  add,  that  there  always  has 
been  an  important  controversy,  in  a  greater  or  less  de- 
gree, between  ministers  and  part  of  their  people  ;  it  is 
so  with  faithful  preachers  and  some  of  their  hearers ; 
wicked  men  oppose  the  doctrines  they  preach,  and  will 
not  be  convinced.  Unfaithful  preachers  have  advo- 
cates and  opposers ;  the  dispute  involved  the  charac- 
ter of  Christ;  it  cannot  be  settled  in  this  world.  How 
necessary  that  ministers  and  people  meet  at  the  great 
day,  to  have  tlie  matter  decided,  the  doctrines  of  Christ 
vindicated,  and  the  characters  of  ministers  or  people 
exonerated. 

11.  Another  important  idea  contained  in  the  text  is, 
that  the  church  or  people  of  God  among  whom  a  faith- 
ful minister  finishes  his  work,  will  be  a  cause  or  crown 
of  peculiar  joy  or  rejoicing  at  the  coming  of  Christ.  It 
will  be  m.atter  of  great  satisfaction  to  sit  down  with 
Abraham,  Isaac,  and  Jacob,  and  other  saints  at  that 


APPENDIX. 


32T 


day  ;  but  the  Scriptures  represent  that  godly  ministers 
will  derive  peculiar  joy  from  the  pious  part  of  their 
congregations,  Dan.  xii.,  3;  2  Cor.  i.,  14;  Phil,  ii.,  16. 
Reflecting  on  past  providences  will  be  a  source  of  great 
joy  at  the  day  of  judgment ;  and  as  many  things  have 
taken  place  between  a  minister  and  his  people  in  which 
they  are  more  particularly  conversant  and  interested, 
when  they  come  to  be  explained  it  will  afford  special 
joy  and  admiration ;  as  they  have  been  companions  in 
tribulations,  so  now  it  is  likely  they  will  be  in  a  more 
peculiar  sense  copartners  in  joy,  and  help  each  other 
in  magnifying  the  Lord  for  special  favours,  and  dis- 
plays of  divine  power  and  grace  on  their  behalf. 

The  prayers  and  struggles  of  pious  teachers  have 
been  for  Zion  in  general,  and  for  those  over  whom 
the  Holy  Ghost  has  made  them  overseers  in  particu- 
lar. Now  God  will  give  their  hearers  who  have  been 
converted  through  their  instrumentality  as  a  kind  of 
reward  and  fruit  of  their  travail  or  labour.  When  it 
appears  that  God  has  made  use  of  the  true  ministers 
of  Christ  for  the  conversion  of  some  of  the  souls  once 
committed  to  'heir  charge,  it  will  excite  wonder,  joy, 
and  humility  in  the  minds  of  pious  teachers,  that  God 
should  deign  to  honour  them  as  instruments  of  such 
glorious  work,  by  which  they  will  be  led  to  adore  sov- 
ereign grace  and  condescending  love.  As  it  is  often 
through  the  painful  labours  of  Christ's  servants  that 
souls  are  brought  home  to  God,  doubtless  he  will  ap- 
prove of  such  virtues  by  conferring  signal  honours  on 
those  who  have  turned  many  to  righteousness,  who  will 
shine  as  stars  for  ever  and  ever. 

Pious  people  will  give  such  account  of  their  faithful 
teachers  as  will  meet  with  the  approbation  of  God,  which 
will  be  expressed  by  that  heavenly  plaudit.  "  Well  done, 
good  and  faithful  servant !"  Their  mutual  accounts  will 
be  given  up  with  jov,  and  not  with  gi'ief,  Hebrews  xiii., 
17.  The  hopes  and  expectations  of  such  ministers  are 
great,  as  the  apostle  suggests  in  the  text — For  what  is 
our  hope,  or  joy,  or  crown  of  rejoicing  ?  are  not  even 
ye  ?  &c.    He  speaks  of  it  as  the  earnest  hope  and  es- 


328 


APPENDIX. 


pectalion  of  all  Christ's  ministers,  by  calling  it  our  hope. 
They  reflect  with  pleasure  on  the  approaching  happy 
moment,  and  when  it  comes  it  will  greatly  gratify  their 
holy  desires. 

That  it  will  be  possible  to  hold  equal  communion 
with  all  the  saints,  especially  at  one  time,  in  the  invisi- 
ble world,  perhaps  is  not  admissible.  It  appears  that 
the  wicked  who  have  been  associates  in  sin  here  will 
be  companions  of  torments  hereafter,  Luke  xvi.,  28. 

They  are  to  be  gathered  like  the  standing  com,  and 
to  be  bound  in  hundles  to  burn.  It  is  more  than  possi- 
ble that  the  righteous  who  have  lived  together  in  this 
life,  will  have  a  more  intimate  access  to  each  other  in 
the  world  to  come. 

If  it  will  be  useful  for  them  to  meet  in  some  sense 
as  distinct  societies,  perhaps  it  will  subserve  the  inter- 
est of  the  universe  that  they  in  a  degree  continue  so. 
It  is  the  character  of  the  true  church  of  Christ  that  they 
treat  his  ministers  with  respect  in  this  life,  accounting 
them  as  the  ministers  of  Christ  and  stewards  of  the 
mysteries  of  God,  1  Cor.  iv.,  1.  They  help  them  in 
their  work,  2  Cor.  i.,  11.  God  will  in  the  great  day 
reward  people  for  such  kindness ;  as  hereby  they  ex- 
press their  love  to  Christ,  Matt,  xxv.,  40.  This  will 
gratify  the  benevolent  feehngs  of  Christ's  servants ;  at 
the  same  time  fill  them  with  holy  admiration  and 
deep  humility,  that  what  has  been  done  to  such  poor 
sinful  creatures  should  be  taken  notice  of. 

Ministers  and  the  people  of  their  charge  will  assist 
each  other,  and  be  united  in  bringing  a  verdict  against 
the  wicked  and  impenitent  among  whom  they  lived 
while  on  earth.  The  saints  are  to  judge  the  world, 
1  Cor,  vi.,  2.  One  way  by  which  they  will  do  this 
will  doubtless  be  to  declare  before  angels  and  men 
what  they  know  about  them,  or  their  conduct  in  this 
life.  An  attachment  to  divine  justice  will  make  this 
delightful  work.  Ministers  must  declare  what  and 
how  they  have  preached  to  them,  and  the  bad  improve- 
ment they  have  made  of  the  gospel,  so  far  as  it  has 
come  under  their  observation;  how  they  have  despised 


APPENDIX. 


329 


and  mocked  the  messengers  of  llie  Lord,  contemned 
his  word  and  ordinances.  Pious  hearers  can  witness 
to  tiie  same  tilings,  and  in  this  way  the  mutual  testi- 
mony of  godly  ministers  and  people  will  be  strength- 
ened and  supported,  and  Divine  proceedings  against 
impenitent  sinners  vindicated.  Thus  the  church  will 
be  a  crown  of  joy  to  her  faithful  pastor. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

1.  We  may  infer  from  this  subject  that  the  gospel 
ministry  is  of  God,  and  that  we  ought  to  seek  its  wel- 
fare, and  use  suitable  exertions  for  its  support. 

Doth  Scripture  and  reason  dictate  that  it  is  of  so 
much  importance,  especially  as  it  relates  to  a  judgment 
day,  we  may  conclude  that  God  would  not  do  without 
it,  and  we  may  see  Divine  wisdom  and  goodness  in  the 
institution.  Nothing  more  conducive  of  Divine  glory, 
and  salutary  to  men,  than  the  preaching  of  the  gospel. 
Without  these  glad  tidings  are  proclaimed,  the  incar- 
nation of  Christ  is  vain.  Nothing  but  opposition  to 
God,  and  disregard  to  his  glory,  will  make  men  indif- 
ferent to  the  preaching  of  the  gospel.  A  rejection  of 
Christ  and  his  ministers  has  commonly  vice  and  open 
profanity  for  its  inseparable  companions.  The  oppo- 
sition that  the  impenitent  part  of  mankind  have  made 
to  the  servants  of  Christ,  has  doubtless  in  some  meas- 
ure had  its  rise  from  a  consciousness  that  they  must 
meet  them  at  the  bar  of  Christ,  to  their  disadvantage. 

We  may  conclude,  that,  since  the  gospel  ministry  is 
so  very  useful,  it  will  be  continued  to  the  end  of  the 
world. 

2.  When  a  faithful  minister  is  taken  away,  it  ought 
eeriously  to  be  regarded.  But  few  ways  perhaps  that 
God  shows  greater  displeasure  against  a  people  than  in 
calling  his  ambassadors  home.  By  this  he  threatens  to 
put  an  end  to  his  treaty  of  peace,  and  become  irrecon- 
cilable. It  may  sometimes  be  the  case  that  God  has 
no  more  chosen  or  elect  ones  among  them.  When 
Paul  and  Barnabas  were  preaching  at  Antioch,  as 

E  e  2 


330 


APPENDIX. 


many  as  were  ordained  to  eternal  life  believed,  then 
they  departed,  Acts  xiii.  All  the  encouragement  for  a 
minister  to  preach  among  a  people,  so  far  as  the  salva- 
tion of  souls  ought  to  be  a  motive,  is  the  doctrine  of 
election.  After  the  death  of  a  faithful  minister  there  is 
less  hope  of  a  people. 

We  may  further  observe,  when  it  is  considered  that 
we  are  to  meet  them  no  more  in  the  house  of  God,  to 
hear  them  declare  unto  us  the  words  of  reconciliation ; 
but  our  next  interview  will  be  at  the  tribunal  of  Christ, 
to  hear  them  testify  for  or  against  us,  how  alfecting  the 
consideration  !  It  is  more  solemn  to  die  than  if  we  had 
never  been  favoured  with  the  gospel  ministry.  People, 
whetlier  they  hear  or  forbear,  shall  know,  to  their  joy 
or  sorrow,  that  there  hath  been  a  prophet  among  them, 
Ezek.  ii.,  5. 

3.  The  subject  affords  direction  how  ministers 
should  preach,  and  how  a  people  ought  to  hear,  viz., 
with  death  and  judgment  in  view.  It  is  this  that  makes 
preaching  and  hearing  a  serious  matter,  and  renders 
the  house  of  God  so  very  solemn.  We  must  soon 
meet  before  the  bar  of  Christ,  and  perhaps  before  the 
next  Sabbath,  to  have  our  sermons  and  our  hearing  ex- 
amined by  Him  who  is  infinite  in  knowledge,  and  is 
present  in  every  congregation.  Did  we  always  con- 
sider these  things,  it  would  tend  to  abolish  that  cold- 
ness, drowsiness,  and  indifference,  that  too  often  attend 
the  ministers  of  the  gospel,  and  that  formal  spirit  which 
is  too  apparent  among  hearers.  How  would  it  check 
that  levity  of  mind  and  disorderly  behaviour  that  pre- 
sumptuous creatures  often  indulge  in  the  house  of  God. 
Hoiv  dreadful  is  this  place ! — is  a  reflection  suitable 
on  all  occasions,  and  more  especially  when  we  meet 
for  public  devotion. 

4.  The  surviving  widow  and  children  will  for  a  mo- 
ment suffer  the  word  of  exhortation.  Are  not  you  in 
some  sense  his  hope  and  joy  ?  Was  it  not  a  reflection 
that  tended  to  smooth  the  rugged  road  through  death, 
that  he  should  meet  you  before  the  bar  of  Christ,  and 
that  you  would  be  a  crown  of  rejoicing  in  that  day  ?  If 


APPENDIX. 


331 


ministers  and  people  are  to  meet  each  other  before  the 
tribunal  of  Christ,  as  having  special  business  together, 
then  we  may  conclude  that  this  will  be  the  case  with 
particular  families,  such  as  husbands  and  wives,  parents 
and  children  ;  you  can  say  much  about  each  other  upon 
that  occasion,  having  for  so  long  a  time  composed  one 
family  on  earth. 

You,  who  are  this  day  called  to  mourn,  must  give 
an  account  how  you  have  improved  his  public  and  more 
private  admonitions ;  and  especially  this  providence. 
The  present  occasion,  however  solemn,  will  appear 
more  so  at  the  great  day.  Consider,  that  although  he 
is  gone  to  return  no  more,  yet  God,  the  source  of  con- 
solation, ever  lives.  His  promises  are  always  new  to 
the  widow  and  fatherless.  That  God  who  gave  has 
taken  him  away.  But  still  he  lives  in  another  state, 
and  is  more  useful  to  the  universe  than  he  could  be  in 
this  world.  God's  people  always  die  in  the  best  time, 
manner,  and  place.  You  have  only  time  to  take  up  the 
body  and  bury  it,  set  your  houses  in  order,  and  follow 
him.  Manifest  your  love  to  the  deceased  by  preparing 
to  meet  him,  and  make  his  heart  glad  in  the  day  of  the 
Lord  Jesus.  Contemplate  the  rectitude  of  divine  gov- 
ernment, and  a  future  world,  and  be  still. 

Let  the  children  remember,  that  to  have  a  pious  faith- 
ful parent  taken  away  is  an  unspeakable  loss.  Your 
father  has  done  much  for  your  bodies,  but  we  trust 
more  for  your  souls ;  never,  never  forget  his  prayers 
and  admonitions.  Can  you,  dare  you  meet  him  at  the 
bar  of  Christ  in  impenitence  ?  Should  this  be  the  case, 
instead  of  those  endearing  and  parental  caresses  that 
you  have  received  from  him  in  this  life,  he  will  join 
with  the  Judge  of  all  in  saying.  Depart !  He  will  de- 
clare what  he  has  done  for  you,  and  condemn  you. 
Let  your  mother  experience  that  tender  regard  and 
kind  as.sistance,  during  her  short  continuance  with 
you,  as  becomes  dutiful,  obedient  children.  Make  her 
heart  glad  by  a  holy  life,  and  let  your  father  live  daily 
before  her  eyes  in  your  pious  examples. 

Let  me  say  a  word  to  the  church  and  congregation 


332 


APPENDIX. 


in  this  place.  Dear  friends,  I  am  not  a  stranger  to 
those  mournful  sensations  that  the  present  melancholy 
providence  tends  to  inspire.  I  trust  I  am  a  hearty 
mourner  with  you,  and  am  a  sharer  in  your  loss. 

By  the  foregoing  observations  you  have  reason  to 
conclude  that  you  have  lost  a  faithful  minister. 

You  can't  forget  those  solemn  and  affectionate  warn- 
ings that  he  has  given  you  from  the  desk,  nor  those 
pious  examples  he  has  set  before  you.  He  has 
preached  his  last  sermon.  Your  next  meeting  must 
be  before  the  tribunal  of  Christ,  where  those  sermons 
you  have  heard  him  deliver  in  this  life  will  come  to 
view,  and  the  improvement  you  have  made  of  them. 
Will  you,  my  brethren,  be  his  crown  of  rejoicing  in 
that  day  ?  if  you  were  his  hope  and  joy  in  this  life, 
you  doubtless  are  still.  It  is  with  satisfaction  we  trust 
that  he  this  moment  looks  forward  to  that  day,  when 
he  expects  to  see  this  the  dear  people  once  committed 
to  his  charge  ;  and  doubtless  he  hopes  to  meet  some 
of  you  as  crowns  of  rejoicing.  Oh  !  do  not  disappoint 
the  hope  and  expectations  of  your  reverend  'pastor. 
Manifest  your  love  to  him  by  imitating  his  holy  exam- 
ples, and  by  having  those  heavenly  Instructions  that  he 
go  often  inculcated  always  in  remembrance  ;  and  by 
preparing  to  give  him  joy  in  the  day  of  the  Lord  Jesus. 
Examine  what  improvement  you  have  made  of  the  gos- 
pel ministry  while  you  had  it ;  and  whether  too  great 
inattention  has  not  had  influence  in  its  being  removed. 
Have  you  ever  experienced  the  power  and  efficacy  of 
the  gospel  upon  your  own  souls  ?  Have  you  by  the 
Holy  Spirit  been  formed  into  the  moral  likeness  of  the 
blessed  God,  and  into  the  image  of  his  son  Jesus  ?  Or 
have  you  been  contented  with  the  mere  form  of  godli- 
ness ?  Have  you  not,  through  sloth  and  unbelief, 
neglected  attending  on  the  preaching  of  the  gospel 
during  the  residence  of  your  pastor  among  you  ?  Oh  ! 
what  account  will  such  gospel  despisers  have  to  give 
another  day !  Consider,  I  entreat  you,  how  dreadful  it 
will  be  to  have  these  things  brought  into  view  when 
you  come  to  meet  your  minister,  who  was  once,  and 


APPENDIX. 


333 


perhaps  is  now,  an  eyewitness  of  your  conduct,  and 
will  testify  against  you  to  your  everlasting  condemna- 
tion ! 

Your  minister,  though  dead,  now  speaketh.  He 
preaches  a  most  solemn  lecture  to  us  all  this  day  on 
mortality. 

You  will,  as  it  were,  hear  his  voice  when  you  look 
on  the  place  of  public  worship,  where  he  and  you  so 
often  attended — when  you  look  on  his  grave,  which  is 
here  among  you — and  when  you  look  to  the  second 
coming  of  Christ.  Think  often  of  that  day.  Let  the 
Sabbath,  and  worship  of  God,  be  still  dear  unto  you ; 
and  remember  him  who  has  spoken  unto  you  the  word 
of  God,  whose  faith  follow. 


334 


APPENDIX. 


EXTRACTS  FROM  A  SERMON : 

ENTITLED, 

J)ivine  Decrees,  an  encouragemeixt  to  the  use  of  means, 
delivered  at  Granville,  N.  Y.,  June  25th,  A.  D.  1805, 
before  the  Evangelical  Society,  instituted  for  the 
purpose  of  aiding  pious  and  needy  young  men  in 
acquiring  education  for  the  loork  of  the  gospel 
ministry, 

The  whole  of  this  discourse  is  able,  and  charac- 
terizes the  author  as  possessing  a  strong  mind  and  a 
pious  heart : — if  it  be  not  equal  in  some  things  to  his 
sermon  on  universal  salvation,  of  which  it  is  very 
justly  remarked,  "  That  sermon  is  one  of  the  finest 
pieces  of  satire  to  be  found  in  all  the  annals  of  pulpit 
eloquence,"  it  is  not  inferior  to  it  in  sound  doctrine  and 
fervent  piety.* 

The  discourse  is  founded  on  the  23d  verse  of  the  1 1th 
chapter  of  Hebrews  :  "  By  faith  Moses,  when  he  was 
born,  was  hid  three  months  of  his  parents,  because 
they  saw  he  was  a  proper  child  ;  and  they  were  not 
afraid  of  the  king's  commandment."  His  object  is  to 
show,  that  although  pious  people  believe  and  confide 
in  the  unalterable  purpose  and  providence  of  God  to 
bring  about  events,  yet  they  will  diligently  use  such 
means  as  God  requires,  and  that  tend  to  their  accom- 
plishment. To  confirm  his  assertion  that  the  pious  do 
believe  and  confide  in  God's  absolute  government,  or 
in  his  purpose  and  providence,  he  justly  remarks  : — 

*  This  sentence,  with  the  remarks  preceding  the  extracts,  were  kindly 
furnished  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Broadhead,  of  New-York. 


APPENDIX. 


335 


'*  We  find  thai  it  has  always  been  the  practice  of 
the  people  of  God  to  acknowledge  him  ;  therefore  it  is 
that  they  attend  to  the  external  duties  of  religion,  such 
as  the  public  worship  of  God,  prayer,  and  praise,  by 
which  they  express  their  belief  and  love  of  a  superin- 
tending Providence.  This  was  the  object  of  the  faith 
of  those  mentioned  in  my  text.  They  had  a  firm  be- 
lief in  Divine  purposes  concerning  Moaes,  so  as  to  ex- 
clude all  fear  of  the  kind's  commandment.  The  right- 
eous view  and  hold  commiinion  with  God  in  his  works, 
and  repair  to  his  absolute  government  in  times  of  dis- 
tress as  their  only  hiding-place,  Psal.  xxvii.  It  was 
God's  immutable  promises  and  designs  that  supported 
Noah,  Abraham,  Isaac,  Jacob,  Moses,  David,  and  all 
God's  people  in  all  ages  of  the  world.  God  has  ap- 
pointed the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  to  be  king  on  his  holy 
hill  of  Zion,  and  has  laid  the  government  on  his  shoul- 
ders ;  the  pious  are  his  obedient  subjects,  and  it  is  their 
duty  to  submit  to  him.  They  are  to  have  the  mind  of 
Christ,  as  they  would  not  forfeit  their  interest  in  him, 
Rom.  viii.,  9,  Rejoicing  in  the  absolute  dominion  and 
agency  of  God  was  an  important  trait  in  his  character, 
Luke  X.,  21  :  'In  that  hour  Jesus  rejoiced  in  spirit, 
and  said,  I  thank  thee,  O  Father,  Lord  of  heaven  and 
earth,  that  thou  hast  hid  these  things  from  the-  wise  and 
prudent,  and  hast  revealed  them  unto  babes ;  even  so, 
rather,  for  so  it  seemed  good  in  thy  sight.' " 

In  discussing  that  part  of  the  subject  which  relates 
to  the  use  of  means  by  the  people  of  God,  as  connected 
with  those  events  which  are  brought  about  by  the  un- 
changeable purpose  and  providence  of  God,  he  says  : — 

"  This  idea  is  remarkably  illustrated  in  the  conduct 
of  the  parents  of  Moses,  alluded  to  in  the  text ;  they  hid 
him  three  months.  Their  care  was  excited  by  the  full 
trust  they  had  in  God  that  he  designed  him  for  some 
important  work.  Their  faith  was  so  great  as  to  ex 
elude  all  doubt  but  what  God  would  take  care  of  the 
child,  and  fulfil  his  own  purpose,  in  spite  of  all  the  de- 


336 


APPENDIX. 


signs  of  the  enemy :  '  They  were  not  afraid  of  the 
king^s  commandment!'  They  did  not  fear  to  exert 
themselves  to  the  utmost  for  the  preservation  of  the 
child,  nor  that  their  measures  would  not  be  successful. 
He  was  doubtless  secreted,  and  removed  from  place  to 
place,  to  elude  the  search  of  the  enemy.  An  ark  was 
invented  for  the  security  of  the  helpless  infant ;  every 
seam  carefully  secured  with  slime  and  pitch,  that  the 
babe  might  have  a  dry  and  safe  asylum.  It  is  carried 
to  the  river-side,  deposited  among  the  flags — an  un- 
hkely  place  to  be  found.  She  chose  a  place  where  the 
swelling  of  the  Nile  would  not  be  likely  to  carry  it 
away.  The  ark  was  not  committed  to  the  foaming 
waters,  to  be  exposed  to  the  voracious  monsters  of  the 
deep ;  but  as  much  care  was  exercised  as  though  the 
life  of  the  child  wholly  depended  on  their  vigilance. 
Miriam,  the  sister  of  Moses,  must  lie  in  ambush  at  a 
suitable  distance,  to  watch  every  disaster,  and  often  to 
run  and  sooth  the  cries  of  the  solitary  infant.  But 
'Moses  was  not  safer  when  king  in  Jeshurun,  encom- 
passed with  the  thousands  of  Israel — was  not  safer  in 
the  mount  with  God — is  not  safer  within  the  adaman- 
tine walls  of  the  New  Jerusalem,  tlian  in  the  flags.'* 

"  The  same  spirit  of  vigilance  shone  conspicuously 
among  all  the  people  of  God  in  all  ages  of  the  world. 
God  revealed  unto  Abraham  his  unalterable  designs 
concerning  him  and  his  posterity ;  and  yet  how  diligent 
was  he  in  using  such  means  as  tended  to  bring  the 
events  to  pass.  By  faith  he  went  out ;  by  faith  he  so- 
journed in  the  land  of  promise,  &c.  The  conduct  of 
Isaac,  Jacob,  Moses,  David,  and  the  prophets  illustrates 
the  same  sentiment.  Paul,  in  Acts  xxvii.,  is  a  striking 
instance  of  the  truth  now  under  consideration.  When 
it  was  revealed  to  him  that  God's  purpose  was  to  save 
all  in  the  ship,  yet  his  diligence  in  the  use  of  such 
means  as  tended  to  their  preservation  exceeded  all  the 
mariners.  He  was  evidently  encouraged  by  the  pur- 
pose of  God  revealed ;  yea,  without  means,  he  tells 
thera  plainly,  they  cannot  he  saved.  No  preacher  ever 
*  Dr.  Hunter. 


APPENDIX. 


337 


held  up  the  decrees  of  God  more  clearly  and  more  fre- 
quently than  Paul,  and  none  of  the  apostles  were  more 
laborious  ;  he  laboured  more  abundantly  than  they  all, 
1  Cor.  XV.,  10.  We  derive  similar  ideas  from  the  doc- 
trines and  examples  of  Him  who  spake  as  never  man 
spake.  The  purposes  of  God  with  respect  to  the  de- 
liverance of  the  Jews  from  the  Babylonish  captivity 
stirred  up  the  saints  to  prayer,  Dan.  ix.,  2.  The  cer- 
tainty of  the  incarnation  of  Christ  excited  Old-Testa- 
ment saints  to  prayer  for  the  accomplishment  of  it ;  and 
this  is  wliat  God  greatly  approved.  The  parents  of 
Moses  have  a  place  in  the  sacred  canon,  whose  faith  is 
highly  applauded. 

"  Faith  in  Divine  purposes  will  excite  the  people  of 
God  to  the  diligent  use  of  means,  as  he  has  appointed 
them  as  instruments  by  which  he  will  accomplish  his 
designs,  and  has  commanded  them  to  be  workers  to- 
gether with  him  ;  indeed,  without  the  exertions  of  men, 
it  is  impossible  that  they  should  take  place.  God  re- 
vealed to  Abraham  that  his  seed  should  go  down  into 
Egypt,  and  at  such  a  time  be  delivered ;  but  this  sup- 
posed a  series  of  second  causes,  all  dependant  on  the 
first  cause ;  without  them  the  event  could  not  take 
place.  One  was  the  edict  of  Pharaoh  to  destroy  the 
male  infants  of  the  Hebrews ;  that  Moses  should  be 
born,  and  hid  three  months ;  that  he  should  be  educa- 
ted at  the  expense  of  the  King  of  Egypt;  that  the 
Egyptians  should  be  visited  with  ten  plagues,  &;c.  I 
might  with  propriety  make  the  same  remark  with  re- 
spect to  the  deliverance  of  Israel  from  the  Babylonish 
captivity,  and  the  birth  and  death  of  Christ.  The  peo- 
ple of  God  consider  themselves  as  active  instruments 
to  bring  about  his  holy  designs ;  and  are,  in  a  good  de- 
gree, cured  of  that  unreasonable  temper  of  mind  that 
•will  deduce  unnatural  consequences  from  certain  prem- 
ises, in  order  to  gratify  a  licentious  conduct. 

"  The  friends  of  God  delight  in  eocpressing  their  obe- 
dience to  him.  The  use  of  means  affords  them  oppor- 
tunity to  glorify  God  and  commend  him  to  others.  If 
love  and  obedience  are  dehghtful  exercises  to  the  saints, 
Ff 


338  APPENDIX. 

% 

then  to  express  them  will  be  pleasing.  As  God  cannot 
exhibit  any  true  virtue  or  moral  excellence  without  pur- 
suing a  plan,  so  neither  can  we,  unless  we  regard  his 
will  and  interest,  and  are  workers  together  with  him. 

"  The  good  man,  indeed,  will  see  enough  to  employ 
his  head,  his  heart,  his  hands,  and  his  temporal  inter- 
est, in  the  service  of  God.  The  reason  that  so  many 
can  find  but  little  to  do  for  God  is  on  account  of  a 
slothful  and  indolent  heart,  that  refuses  to  labour." 

The  author  concludes  this  valuable  discourse  in  the 
following  animated  strains  of  fervent  zeal  in  the  cause 
of  benevolence  and  salvation  by  Christ,  through  the 
means  of  the  ministry  of  the  gospel. 

"  The  subject,  so  far  illustrated,  sets  the  design  of  the 
instituftion  to  which  our  attention  is  particularly  called 
on  the  present  occasion,  in  an  important  point  of  light. 
It  is  to  aid  pious  and  needy  young  men  in  acquiring 
education  for  the  gospel  ministry.  A  remarkable 
spirit  of  zeal  and  liberality  in  the  cause  of  God  has 
been  excited  in  the  minds  of  the  pious  in  various  parts 
of  the  Christian  world.  Missionaries  have  been  sent 
out  among  the  heathen,  and  to  our  new  settlements ; 
and  their  labours  have  been  crowned  with  abundant 
success.  People,  while  watering,  have  been  watered 
themselves.  The  conversion  of  thousands,  I  believe, 
has  been  the  effect  of  these  benevolent  exertions. 
The  desert  and  the  solitary  wilderness  have  been  made 
to  blossom  as  the  rose.  Recent  instances  of  the  tro- 
phies of  Divine  grace  in  some  parts  of  Africa  have 
made  glad  the  city  of  our  God.  The  friends  of  Christ 
on  both  sides  the  Atlantic  have  united  in  this  glorious 
cause ;  but  much  still  remains  to  be  done. 

"  People  within  our  reach  are  perishing  for  lack  of 
spiritual  food.  The  harvest  is  great,  but  the  labour- 
ers are  comparatively  few.  The  number  of  those  quali- 
fied to  carry  the  bread  of  life  to  the  dying  is  inade- 
quate. Our  missionary  exertions  must  be  greatly  im- 
peded, unless  pious,  ingenious,  and  learned  men  be 


APPENDIX. 


339 


found  to  engage  in  the  service.  Oiir  Evangelical 
Society  virtually  embraces  the  same  object  of  those 
commonly  called  missionary  societies,  as  necessary  and 
subservient  thereto.  Whatever  funds  are  raised,  un- 
less proper  preachers  can  be  obtained,  they  camiot  be 
tendered  useful.  That  a  competent  degree  of  literary 
acquirements  is  necessary  and  indispensable  in  those 
who  engage  in  ministerial  labours,  none  will  deny  who 
have  the  importance  of  the  work  on  their  minds.  The 
patronage  of  those  who  love  God  and  the  souls  of  men 
is  earnestly  solicited.  We  hope  you  will  not  withhold 
that  pecuniary  aid  which  the  urgency  of  the  case  re- 
quires. 

"  I  stand  here  this  day,  my  friends  and  brethren,  to 
plead  for  thousands  of  poor  perishing,  dying  fellow- 
mortals,  who  need  the  bread  of  life  ;  whose  cries  and 
distresses  call  for  compassion,  beyond  the  groaning 
Israelites.  Who,  that  knows  the  love  of  God  and  the 
terrors  of  eternal  death,  but  longs  to  run  to  their  relief  ? 
Satan,  the  potent  and  imperious  prince  of  darkness,  has 
long  since  issued  his  cruel  and  bloody  edict  against  the 
church  of  God,  to  destroy  and  exterminate  it  from  the 
earth. 

"  We  stand  this  day  to  plead  the  cause  of  that  Jesus 
who  sits  upon  the  holy  hill  of  Zion,  with  pardon  in  his 
hands,  and  whose  delight  is  with  the  sons  of  men  ;  and 
who  is  now  calhng  for  your  assistance.  We  plead  the 
promises  and  predictions  of  God's  word,  that  may  en- 
courage your  hope  and  trust.  Be  not  afraid  of  the 
haughty  mandate  of  the  prince  of  darkness,  for  it  shall 
be  made  to  subserve  the  interest  of  Christ's  kingdom. 
God  requires  exertions  as  much  as  he  did  for  the  pres- 
ervation of  Moses,  or  the  deliverance  of  Israel  out  of 
Eg}^l.  It  is  sacrificing  the  cause  of  God  and  the  im- 
mortal souls  of  men  to  withhold.  Is  there  not  an  im- 
propriety in  our  bearing  the  name  of  Christians,  unless 
the  love  of  Christ  constrains  us?  Is  it  not  an  important 
trait  in  the  characters  of  the  goeSiy,  that  they  took  jo^f  j 
fully  the  spoiling  of  their  goods  ?  Jh;:t  they  suffered 
the  loss  of  all  things,  that  they  might  win  Christ  and 


340 


APPENDIX. 


save  their  souls  ?  What  illustrious  examples  of  be- 
nevolence do  we  find  in  the  word  of  God ;  especially 
in  the  blessed  Saviour  of  the  world !  '  That,  though 
he  was  rich,  yet  for  our  sake  he  became  poor,  that  we, 
through  his  poverty,  might  be  rich.'  Can  there  be  a 
more  delightful  employment  this  side  heaven  than  to 
wrest  souls  from  the  jaws  of  death  and  hell,  and  to  send 
the  blessed  news  of  salvation  to  a  perishing  world  ? 

"  To  promote  the  felicity  of  the  universe  is  the  happi- 
ness of  the  redeemed  in  glory ;  and  this  spirit  among 
Christians  is  heaven  begun  on  earth.  If  your  hearts 
do  not  glow  with  holy  affection  towards  perishing  sin- 
ners, by  which  you  are  disposed  to  do  something  for 
their  relief,  you  have  reason  to  fear  and  tremble  that 
you  have  no  inheritance  among  the  saints  in  light. 

"  The  design  of  our  institution  is  far  from  being  new  : 
God's  people  have  in  all  ages,  in  a  measure,  drunk  into 
the  same  spirit.  That  angel  of  a  man.  Dr.  Doddridge, 
in  describing  objects  of  Christian  benevolence  and  lib- 
erality, observes :  '  I  would  particularly  recommend  to 
you  the  very  important  and  noble  charity  of  assisting 
young  persons  of  genius  and  piety  with  what  is  neces- 
sary to  support  the  expense  of  their  education  for  the 
ministry,  in  a  proper  course  of  grammatical  or  aca- 
demical studies.'*  Consider  that  you  are  God's  stew- 
ards, and  that  all  your  property  belongs  to  him,  and  you 
are  to  use  it  in  his  service.  That  he  can  easily  make 
up,  if  he  sees  fit,  what  your  liberality  imparts  :  and  if 
you  '  cast  your  bread  upon  the  waters,  you  shall  find 
it  after  many  days,'  Eccles.  xi.,  1.  If  we  withhold 
shall  we  not  rob  God,  and  incur  his  righteous  displeas- 
ure ?  who  will  soon  call  us  to  give  an  account  of  our 
stewardships  !  Remember  the  maxim  of  the  wise  man, 
*  There  is  that  scatlereth,  and  yet  increaseth ;  and  there 
is  that  withholdeth  more  than  meet,  but  it  tendeth  to 
poverty,'  Prov.  xi.,  24.  Since  this  spirit  of  liberality 
has  shone  so  conspicuously  in  many  parts  of  the  Chris- 
Vifen  world,  I  think  wp-featve  had  manifest  tokens  of  Divine 

*  Rite  and  Progress  of  Religion. 


APPENDIX. 


341 


approbation.  God  has  poured  out  his  spirit  in  such 
copious  eflfusions  as  to  make  it  obvious  that  it  is  '  an 
odour  of  a  sweet  smell,  a  sacrifice  acceptable,  well- 
pleasing  to  God.'  Let  us  not  be  weary  in  well-doing, 
for  we  shall  yet  reap  a  more  plentiful  harvest  if  we  faint 
not. 

"  If  we  delight  in  giving,  God  will  delight  in  reward- 
ing. '  Bring  ye  all  the  tithes  into  the  storehouse — and 
prove  me  now  herewith,  saith  the  Lord  of  hosts,  if  I 
Avill  not  open  you  the  windows  of  heaven,  and  pour 
you  out  a  blessing,  that  there  shall  not  be  room  enough 
to  receive  it,'  MaL  iii.,  10.  We  may  make  a  profes- 
sion of  religion — tell  much  of  our  regard  for  God ;  but 
words,  as  one  observes,  are  cheap  things,  and  are  by 
no  means  the  test  of  our  sincerity.  How  many  of  this 
character  are  to  be  found  ;  who,  when  objects  of  charity 
are  presented,  that  call  for  a  pittance  of  their  store,  like 
the  young  miser  in  the  gospel,  go  away  sorro'\\'ful,  hav- 
ing large  possessions. 

"  My  Christian  friends  and  brethren,  you  will  be  far 
from  pleading  exemption  from  duty  by  having  recourse 
to  the  reasonings  of  a  licentious  world,  '  that  if  God 
has  determined  all  things,  our  endeavours  are  unneces- 
sary ;'  this,  I  trust,  has  been  sufficiently  reprobated  in 
the  foregoing  discourse,  as  betraying  an  unbelief  of  the 
doctrine  by  which  you  profess  to  be  influenced,  and 
that  you  are  governed  by  carnal  principles.  Consider 
that  you  are  the  only  ones  that  will  heartily  engage  in 
this  cause ;  '  For  out  of  Zion  shall  go  forth  the  law,  and 
the  word  of  the  Lord  from  Jerusalem,'  Isa.  ii.,  3. 

"  Perhaps  the  conversion  of  every  soul  is  the  effect 
of  the  church's  travail  and  exertions.  Are  there  not 
thousands  at  the  present  day  that  are  casting  in  their 
mites ;  and  in  this  way  sending  a  morsel  of  the  bread 
of  life  to  starving,  perishing  souls  ?  Surely  it  is  a  rich 
and  valuable  treasury,  that  will  refund  an  infinite  and 
eternal  reward  to  all  true  adventurers.  What  if,  by 
distinguishing  yourselves  by  withholding,  you  should 
not  be  admitted  to  their  society  hereafter,  nor  taste  of 
the  rewards  of  the  righteous  ? 

Ff  2 


343 


APPENDIX. 


"  The  institution  for  which  I  am  now  pleading  can- 
not fail  of  attracting  your  attention,  if  we  only  consider 
the  extensive  nature  of  the  object.  It  is  that  by  which 
we  may  do  good  after  we  are  dead.  It  is  but  a  moment 
that  we  have  in  the  present  life  to  stretch  out  the  be- 
nevolent hand  to  the  distressed,  or  to  pluck,  them  from 
devouring  flames.  To  act  with  reference  to  this  life 
only,  is  too  contracted  for  a  soul  that  has  been  enlarged. 
With  what  beauty  and  elegance  is  this  sentiment  illus- 
trated by  the  Apostle  Peter,  in  his  second  epistle,  1  ch. 
15  ver. — '  Moreover,  I  will  endeavour  that  you  may  be 
able,  after  my  decease,  to  have  these  things  always  in 
remembrance.'  It  will  be  a  tree  of  righteousness  that 
will  spring  up  over  your  grave,  diffusing  divine  fra- 
grance— bringing  forth  fruit  till  time  shall  be  no  more. 
Will  it  not  afford  unspeakable  delight,  should  we  ever  ar- 
rive in  the  fields  of  immortal  bliss,  to  meet  with  thou- 
sands, who,  through  our  instrumentality,  were  saved  from 
endless  perdition  ?  What  admiring  thoughts  of  Divine 
mercy  and  condescension  would  it  excite,  that  God 
should  make  use  of  such  poor  despicable  instruments 
for  the  salvation  of  souls  !  God  will  deign  to  take  no- 
tice of  it,  and  declare  it  before  the  assembled  universe ; 
and  bestow  an  eternal  reward  of  grace,  even  for  giving 
a  Clip  of  cold  ivater  in  the  name  of  a  disciple.  They 
who  shall  be  instrumental  of  turning  many  to  righteous- 
ness shall  shine  as  the  stars  for  ever  and  ever.  The 
blessing  of  many  that  were  ready  to  perish  shall  come 
upon  you  ;  and  thousands  yet  unborn  may  give  glory  to 
God. 

"  How  many  now  among  us  are  reaping  the  blessed 
effects  of  the  pious  exertions  of  God's  people  while  on 
earth.  The  vigilance  of  Moses,  oh,  how  amply  re- 
warded !  Tlie  faith  and  care  of  his  parents  will  never 
be  forgotten  through  ceaseless  ages. 

"  The  institution  before  us  looks  forward  to  heathen 
nations ;  and  we  may  be  among  the  number  of  those 
who  shall  introduce  the  glorious  days  of  the  MES- 
SIAH, when  '  the  earth  shall  be  full  of  the  knowledge 
of  God,'    Should  we  refuse  to  comply  with  the  pres- 


APPENDIX. 


343 


ent  call  of  Divine  providence,  and  withhold  our  hand 
from  contributing,  will  not  those  who  are  perishing  for 
lack  of  provisions  rise  up  in  judgment  and  condemn  us 
at  the  bar  of  Christ  ?  The  reproof  of  a  Hottentot,  as 
lately  related  in  a  missionary  publication,  cannot  but 
give  feelings  to  a  Christian.  Upon  becoming  acquaint- 
ed with  salvation,  she  thus  exclaims  :  '  What  a  pity, 
what  a  sin  it  is,  that  you  Europeans,  who  have  for  so 
many  years  enjoyed  in  great  abundance  the  heavenly 
bread,  should  keep  it  all  to  yourselves,  and  not  spare 
one  little  crumb  to  the  million  of  poor  heathen !'  Ad- 
ding, '  You  may  depend  upon  it,  you  should  not  have 
the  less  for  yourselves  by  giving  some  to  them ;  but 
the  Lord  Jesus  would  bless  you  and  give  you  the  more.' 
She  also  observed  that,  '  Could  we  but  conceive  fully 
of  the  miserable  situation  of  the  Hottentots,  we  would 
certainly  feel  more  compassion.' 

"  Ye  that  are  strangers  to  God,  remember,  that  it  is 
more  blessed  to  give  than  to  receive.  We  wish  you 
to  put  in  with  us — we  wish  you  the  reward  of  the 
liberal.  It  is  true,  that  unless  love  to  God  and  the 
souls  of  men  direct  you,  your  services,  however  great, 
will  be  but  vain  oblations,  and  displeasing  to  the  Most 
High,  though  your  interest  devoted  may  be  the  occasion 
of  the  salvation  of  thousands  yet  unborn.  It  will  be  so 
with  the  professors  of  religion,  if  the  glory  of  God  is  not 
their  object — they  will  lose  their  reward.  There  is  as 
much  propriety  in  calling  on  the  wicked  to  engage  in 
this  duty  as  in  any  other.  You  are  under  obligations 
to  repent,  to  love  God,  and  to  express  it  in  all  those 
ways  he  has  appointed  and  commanded. 

"  Could  we  persuade  young  men  and  young  women, 
instead  of  spendmg  time  and  property  in  carnal  dissi- 
pation, to  turn  their  attention  to  the  object  before  us, 
of  what  service  might  they  be  to  the  interest  of  Zion 
while  on  the  earth  !  The  people  of  God,  your  pious 
parents,  yea,  God  himself,  would  pronounce  you 
GRE.vTLY  BELOVED  !  Would  it  not  afford  consolation 
in  death,  to  reflect,  that  the  lime,  talents,  and  property 
given  you  by  your  Creator,  instead  of  their  being  con- 


344 


APPENDIX. 


sumed  in  a  ball-room,  or  around  the  card-table,  have 
been  devoted  to  God  ?  Oh  !  that  you  would  seriously 
think  on  that  Divine  injunction  and  promise,  Matt,  vi., 
33 ;  '  Seek  ye  first  the  kingdom  of  heaven  and  its 
righteousness,  and  all  these  things  shall  be  added  unto 
you.' — '  Make  to  yourselves  friends  of  the  mammon  of 
unrighteousness ;  that  when  ye  fail,  they  may  receive 
you  into  everlasting  habitations,'  Luke  xvi.,  10. 

"  It  is  with  pleasure  I  relate,  and  to  their  honour  be 
it  mentioned,  that  some  even  among  our  young  women, 
we  would  hope  prompted  by  a  holy  zeal  for  God, 
whose  circumstances  are  far  from  being  affluent,  have 
engaged  to  contribute  something  yearly  to  our  society. 
May  it  excite  many  to  follow  their  laudable  example. 
There  is  no  external  duty  that  is  spoken  of  in  Scripture 
that  is  so  evidential  of  our  love  to  God,  as  imparting  a 
portion  to  the  necessities  of  the  souls  and  bodies  of 
men.  It  will  be  pubhcly  held  up  at  the  day  of  judg- 
ment, as  a  test  of  the  sincerity  of  the  righteous  : — '  For 
I  was  an  hungry,  and  ye  gave  me  meat.'  Let  none 
plead  their  inability  to  administer.  Cannot  you  look 
round  and  see  many  ways  by  which  you  may  retrench 
your  expenses  without  any  real  injury  to  yourselves  or 
families,  and  spare  a  little  for  the  Lord  ?  Should  we 
throw  in  only  two  mites,  like  the  widow  in  the  gospel, 
like  her  we  should  meet  Divine  approbation.  '  For  if 
there  be  first  a  willing  mind,  it  is  accepted  according  to 
what  a  man  hath,  and  not  according  to  what  he  hath 
not,'  2  Cor.  viii.,  12. 

"  A  single  act,  truly  devoted  to  God  by  faith  and 
prayer,  may  issue  in  the  conversion  of  thousands.  The 
circumstances  of  hiding  Moses — the  building  the  ark — 
the  weeping  of  the  babe,  &c.,  were  apparently  trifling 
events ;  yet  connected  with  infinite  consequences.  The 
deliverance  of  millions  from  bondage — the  preservation 
or  being  of  a  church,  depended  upon  them. 

"  '  I  cannot  believe,'  says  Chrysostom,  '  that  he  has 
ever  tasted  the  sweets  of  religion  that  has  no  tender 
concern  for  the  salvation  of  others.' 

"  But,  after  all,  since  the  success  of  our  endeavours 


APPENDIX. 


345 


depends  on  tlie  blessing  of  Heaven,  we  earnestly  entreat 
the  prayers  of  God's  people  of  every  denomination,  that 
he  would  bless  the  institution — increase  its  funds — 
make  those  faithful,  and  instrumental  of  turning  many 
to  righteousness,  to  whom  aid  may  be  impeurted — that 
it  may  more  abundantly  flourish  after  we  are  dead — 
and  the  whole  world  be  filled  with  the  glory  of  God. 
Amen." 


Itx"  It  may  be  due  to  acquaint  the  reader,  that  the 
preceding  selections  from  the  writings  of  my  revered 
father  were  appended  by  a  son  of  the  deceased,  partly 
with  view  to  the  ample  fulfilment  of  the  issued  terms 
of  the  work,  they  having  been  previously  approved  by 
our  respected  friend  the  author. 

W.  B.  Havnes. 


THE  END. 


i 


INTERESTING  WORKS 


HARPER   &  BROTHERS, 


In  3  vols.  ISmo.,  with  Engravings,  Maps,  &c., 
THE  SISTO&T  or  THE  JEW6. 
From  the  earliest  Period  to  the  Present  Time. 
Bj  the  Rev.  H.  H.  MILMAN. 

In  2  vols.  18mo.,  with  Portraits, 

THE  LIFE  OF  NAPOLEON  BONAPARTE. 

By  J.  G.  LOCKHART,  Esq. 
In  one  voL  18mo.,  with  a  Portrait, 

By  ROBERT  SOUTHEY,  LL.D. 


THE    LIFE    AND    ACTIONS  OF 


By  Rev.  J.  WILLIAMS. 


In  2  Tola.  18mo.,  vrith  numerous  Engravings, 


THE  NATURAL  HISTORY  OF  INSECTS, 


PCBLISBeO  BT 


Id  one  vol.  I8mo.,  with  a  Map, 


•  hUtretting  Works 

In  one  vol.  I6mo., 

By  JOHN  GALT. 
In  one  vol.  18mo.,  with  Engravings, 

Founder  of  the  Religion  of  Islam,  and  of  the  Enspire  of 
the  Saracens. 
By  Rev.  GEORGE  BUSH. 

In  one  vol.  ISmo.,  with  an  Engraving 

LETTERS  ON  DEMONOLOGY  AND  WITCHCRAFT, 

By  Sir  WALTER  SCOTT,  Bart. 

In  2  vols.  18mo.,  with  a  Map, 

By  the  Rev.  G.  R.  GLEIG. 

In  one  vol.  18mo.,  with  Maps,  &c. 
NARRATIVE  OF  DISCOVERY  AND  ADVENTURE  IN 
t])e  ^olac  Seas  aiOi  Begions. 
With  Illustrations  of  their  Climate,  Geology,  and 
Natural  History,  and  an  Account  of  the 
Whalc-Fishery. 
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HUGH  MURRAY,  Esq. 


In  one  vol.  18mo., 
THE   LIFE   AND   TIMES  OF 
GEORGE  THE  FOURTH. 

With  Anecdotes  of  Distinguished  Persons  of  the  la«t 
Fifty  years. 
By  Rot.  GEORGE  CROLY. 


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